Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Gather all your ingredients and measure them out in advance for smoother preparation. Mash your ripe bananas, melt the butter if using, and crack the eggs into a separate bowl.
Mixing
- Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth with a few small lumps.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in any optional add-ins.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store banana bread at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Allow to cool completely before storing.