Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (192g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) in a medium bowl.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth (a few lumps are okay!).
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the mashed bananas, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix!
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
  9. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.