Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray with nonstick cooking spray or grease and flour the bottom and sides of an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan. (Can also butter pan and sprinkle with sugar or a combination of sugar and cinnamon.) Set aside.

Step 2

Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 3

Mash bananas in a large bowl using a potato masher, fork, or a mixer. There can be some small chunks remaining, it doesn't have to be completely smooth.

Step 4

Whisk in sugar, eggs, melted butter, sour cream and vanilla extract.

Step 5

Add flour mixture and stir in gently just until combined. Transfer to the prepared loaf pan and use the spatula to smooth the top.

Step 6

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If bread starts to get too brown on top, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Step 7

Let bread cool on cooling rack in loaf pan for 15 to 20 minutes. Invert the loaf pan and carefully remove banana bread. Let bread continue to cool on the rack for another hour or more. Slice and serve.