Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda (5g)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (1.5g)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (1.5g)
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
  • 1 cup (approximately 3 medium) mashed ripe bananas (about 225g)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (60g) (Optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour (or line with parchment paper) a 9x5 inch 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. In another bowl, mash the bananas really well, no chunky business here!
  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. Be careful not to overmix!
  7. If using nuts, gently fold them into the batter.
  8. Pour 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 a few moist crumbs clinging).
  10. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.