Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick, 113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 ¼ cups (about 3 medium) mashed ripe bananas
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using the electric mixer.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gently fold in the mashed bananas until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing.
  7. Fold in the chopped nuts, if using.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
  9. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
  10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.