easy banana bread recipe

 Yields: 1 loaf

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 50-60 minutes

Ingredients:

 * 3 very ripe bananas, mashed

 * 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

 * 1 cup granulated sugar

 * 2 large eggs

 * 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

 * 1 teaspoon baking soda

 * 1/2 teaspoon salt

 * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 * Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

 * Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.

 * Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

 * Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

 * Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

 * Add-ins (optional): Stir in chopped nuts, if using.

 * Bake: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

 * Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

 * The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bread.

 * You can add other mix-ins to the batter, such as chocolate chips, chopped dates, or chopped walnuts.

 * For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.

 * This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade banana bread!