Best-Ever Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until combined.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk until combined.
5. Add the mashed bananas and whisk until combined.
6. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Fold in the chopped walnuts (if using).
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Interesting Facts

• Banana bread is a popular type of bread made with mashed bananas.
• Banana bread was first popularized in the United States in the 1930s.
• Banana bread is a great way to use up overripe bananas.