Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
  • ½ cup 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 medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Mash the bananas until smooth. A few lumps are fine.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the mashed bananas, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  7. Gently fold in the chopped nuts, if using.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
  9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.