Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup 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, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  7. Gently fold in the mashed bananas.
  8. Fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips (if using).
  9. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  10. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown.
  11. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.