Recipe banana bread

 Here's a classic 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 teaspoon vanilla extract

 * 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

 * 1 teaspoon baking soda

 * 1/2 teaspoon salt

 * 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

 * 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

 * Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

 * In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

 * In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

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

 * Stir in the walnuts or pecans (if using).

 * Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

 * Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

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

Tips and Variations:

 * For extra moisture, add 1/4 cup of sour cream or plain yogurt to the batter.

 * Add chocolate chips, chopped dates, or dried cranberries to the batter for extra flavor.

 * Top the bread with a streusel topping made with brown sugar, flour, and butter.

 * Use overripe bananas for the best flavor. The browner the bananas, the sweeter the bread will be.

Enjoy your delicious homemade banana bread!

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