Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
  • ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the 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. Gently mash bananas in a separate bowl and incorporate into the wet ingredients.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!
  7. Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans, if using.
  8. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.