Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, stirring until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and sour cream until fully combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – this will help keep the bread soft and moist. Fold in any optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!