Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If youre at an altitude above 5,000 feet, consider increasing the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to enhance rising.
  2. Grease a standard loaf pan (9x5 inches) with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  3. In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth. You should have about one and a half cups of mashed banana.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar until well mixed. Add in the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract; stir until fully combined.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, flour, and optional ground cinnamon if using.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix! Fold in nuts if desired.
  7. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan evenly.
  8. Place in preheated oven and bake for about 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached but no wet batter.