Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 1⁄2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 bananas, previously frozen, thawed, and mashed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8x4-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the granulated sugar gradually, beating until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Add to the wet ingredients in three additions, mixing until almost combined after each addition.
- Gently fold in the chopped walnuts until just distributed.
- Transfer batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
- Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely on wire rack.
Notes
For muffins, spoon into 10 prepared muffin cups and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.