Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 350g)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) milk
  • 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly.
  5. Add the mashed bananas and milk to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
  8. Gently fold in the chopped nuts, if using.
  9. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
  10. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  11. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.