Ingredients:

  • 2 medium-large very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
  • 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 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 large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the mashed bananas to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!
  7. Fold in the chopped nuts, if using.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.