Moist Buttermilk Banana Bread Recipe with Brown Butter Glaze

Banana bread is a timeless favorite. Adding buttermilk to the batter yields a softer, airier, and more flavorful loaf. This quick, straightforward recipe produces an impressive bread that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

For years I relied on a classic banana bread made with sour cream. That version has a pleasant tang and is wonderfully reliable. This buttermilk version is equally dependable and often feels lighter and fluffier. It uses more bananas and a bit less sugar, keeping the subtle tang from the buttermilk while producing a tender crumb.

This buttermilk banana bread requires just ten ingredients and about an hour from start to finish. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, many banana bread variations work well too, including chocolate chip, dark chocolate raspberry, or blueberry-banana muffins.

🥘 Ingredients Needed

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Chopped walnuts (optional)
• Granulated sugar
• Salted butter
• Large egg
• Buttermilk
• Vanilla extract
• Ripe bananas, mashed

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or spoon
• Loaf pan

How to Make Buttermilk Banana Bread

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and chopped walnuts (if using). Set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and mix until combined. Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas.
5. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined—don’t overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then lift it from the pan and cool completely before slicing or icing.

To Make Cream Cheese Icing for Banana Bread

1. Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and beat until the icing is spreadable.
2. When the bread is completely cool, either drizzle the icing using a piping bag or spread it evenly with a knife.

Banana Bread Recipe Variations

Try one of these mix-ins to vary the flavor and texture:

• Walnuts or pecans: Chop them and fold into the batter for crunch.
• Marshmallow cream or fluff: Gives a sweet, creamy contrast for a playful twist.
• Dried cranberries or blueberries: Add a tart pop and extra color.
• Chocolate chips: A classic addition that pairs well with banana.
• Toasted coconut flakes: Adds texture and a subtle tropical note.

How to Store Buttermilk Banana Bread

Once the bread has cooled, store it in an airtight container. Because this loaf is moist, consume it within 3–5 days for best texture and flavor. Reheat slices briefly in the oven, toaster, or air fryer with a pat of butter for a fresh-baked taste.

Banana Bread Recipe Tips

These tips help ensure a tender, well-risen loaf:

• Use ripe bananas: Bananas with brown spots are sweeter and more flavorful. Green or underripe bananas lack the necessary sweetness.
• Do not overmix: Combine ingredients until just incorporated. Overmixing can develop gluten and produce a dense loaf.
• Grease and line your pan: Greasing the pan and lining with parchment makes removal simple and protects the loaf’s crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Buttermilk Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Icing

5 from 4 votes

Banana bread is a classic recipe that’s been around for ages but adding buttermilk to the batter will produce a softer, airier, and richer loaf. This quick and easy recipe is easy to whip up and is not only impressive – it is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack!

Author: Kari A

Servings: 10 slices

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 1 hr

Total: 1 hr 5 mins

Ingredients  

Buttermilk Banana Bread

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts optional
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup salted butter
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)

Cream Cheese Icing

• 2 ounces cream cheese
• ⅛ cup butter
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup powdered sugar (sifted)

Instructions 

To Make the Bread

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it.
• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and walnuts (if using). Set aside.
• In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg, then stir in the buttermilk, vanilla, and mashed bananas.
• Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
• Bake at 350°F for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely before icing.

To Make the Icing

• Beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and mix until spreadable.
• Drizzle or spread the icing over the cooled banana bread.

Notes

How to Store Banana Bread

After cooling, keep the banana bread in an airtight container. Because it stays moist from the buttermilk, eat it within 3–5 days for best quality. Reheating slices with a bit of butter restores a fresh-baked feel.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to ensure a tender loaf:

• Use ripe bananas. Brown-spotted bananas are sweeter and more flavorful.
• Do not overmix. Mix until just combined to keep the loaf light.
• Grease your pan. Line the pan with parchment or grease well to prevent sticking.

Special Equipment Needed

• Loaf pan
• Mixing bowls

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 289kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 4gFat: 10g

Nutrition information is approximate and provided as a guide.

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: buttermilk banana bread, easy banana bread