Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (192g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting pan)
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended!)
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (1 stick), plus extra for greasing the pan
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 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 medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, mash the bananas well with a fork.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!
  7. Stir in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed. Fold in 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 center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs).
  10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.