Classic Banana Bread

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 5x9-inch loaf pan with wax paper, leaving overhang on the long sides, or grease and flour the pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth, then gradually add sugar and beat until pale and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Mash the bananas in a small bowl, then stir in the sour cream.
6. Fold one-third of the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Add half the banana mixture, then half the remaining dry ingredients, then the rest of the banana mixture, and finish with the remaining dry ingredients. Mix gently, avoiding overmixing.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake on the middle rack for 60–65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then lift out using the wax paper overhang and transfer to a rack to cool completely before slicing.