Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/3 cups)
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth with just a few small lumps remaining.
3. Mix the melted butter into the mashed bananas until well combined.
4. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture, stirring until evenly incorporated.
5. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir to combine.
6. Add the flour and gently fold it in until just combined—do not overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
7. If using walnuts, fold them in gently with a few final strokes.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
9. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.