Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3g) ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1g) salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g, 1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (about 3 large) mashed ripe bananas
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup (85g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (85g) chocolate chips (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, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the mashed bananas and buttermilk to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
  7. Gently fold in the walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips, if using.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
  9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.