🍳 Becky's Kitchen Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas, peeled
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until they are mostly smooth with just a few small lumps remaining.
3. Pour the melted butter into the mashed bananas and stir well to combine.
4. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir everything together until well incorporated.
5. Sprinkle the baking soda, salt, and cinnamon over the mixture and stir to combine. The baking soda will help the bread rise.
6. Add the flour to the bowl and gently fold it in with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until no dry flour streaks remain — do not overmix or the bread will be tough.
7. If using walnuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them in now.
8. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with your spatula.
9. Bake on the center rack for 55 to 65 minutes. Start checking at 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center — if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it's done.
10. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then run a knife around the edges and turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.