Ingredients:

  • 115g unsalted butter, softened
  • 200g granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 400g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 225g all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 50g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 50g chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4). 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 mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!
  6. Gently fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips, if using.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.