Ingredients:

  • 3 to 4 very ripe medium bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, lightly whisked
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cups (210g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional mix-in)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan thoroughly and line it lengthwise with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang (sling) for easy removal.
  2. Place the peeled bananas into a large mixing bowl and mash them well with a fork until mostly smooth but still slightly textured.
  3. Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, lightly whisked eggs, and vanilla extract directly into the mashed bananas. Whisk briefly until just combined; do not over-mix.
  4. Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt directly on top of the wet mixture in the same bowl.
  5. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stop mixing the moment you see no more streaks of dry flour remaining. Lumps are acceptable.
  6. Gently fold in any optional mix-ins, like chopped nuts, now.
  7. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55 to 65 minutes.
  8. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
  9. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Use the parchment sling to lift it out and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.