Let’s get baking! Follow these steps to create your very own loaf of Classic Banana Bread.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender crumb, so don’t rush it!
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until just combined. The mixture might look a bit curdled at this stage, but don’t worry, it will come together beautifully.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
7. If using, fold in the walnuts. This step always reminds me of the hours spent cracking and chopping nuts with my siblings, a noisy yet joyful affair.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!
10. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.