Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  2. Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and mashed bananas. Don't overmix!
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Gently fold in any optional ingredients like walnuts or chocolate chips.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
  8. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.