Ingredients:

  • 3 medium-large very ripe bananas, mashed (approximately 1 ½ cups / 360 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (5 ml)
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5g) ground cinnamon (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25g) salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (85g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Mash bananas with lemon juice in a bowl and set aside.
  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.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped nuts (if using).
  7. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.