Classic Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• ¾ cup granulated sugar (or ½ cup for less sweet)

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Optional add-ins:
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans or ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or line with parchment).

In a large bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps.

Stir melted butter into the bananas. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix until combined.

Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture. Stir. Add flour and gently fold until just combined (don’t overmix).

Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using. Then pour into the prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.