Simple Banana Bread

This simple banana bread is a simple and classic recipe from the 1950s that yields a moist and soft loaf with crunchy walnuts and rich banana flavor. It's easy to prepare in one bowl and perfect for nostalgic afterschool snacks or anytime comfort food. Toasting the walnuts before adding them enhances their flavor, and letting the bread sit overnight improves slicing and flavor melding.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  
  

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  
  

• 1 cup sugar
  
  

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
  
  

• 1 large egg
  
  

• 1/2 cup milk
  
  

• 1/2 cup shortening or vegetable oil
  
  

• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
  
  

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven and prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan (or 8x4-inch) by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
   
   

2. In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
   
   

3. Make a well in the center and add mashed bananas, egg, milk, shortening (or oil), toasted walnuts, and vanilla.
   
   

4. Stir just until moistened; do not overmix.
   
   

5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   
   

6. Let bread cool completely, wrap in plastic, and let stand overnight for best slicing and flavor.
   
   

Nutritional Value by Grams (per slice estimate)

• Calories: Not specified
  
  

• Carbohydrates: Not specified
  
  

• Protein: Not specified
  
  

• Fat: Not specified
  
  

• Sugar: Not specified
  
  

Note: Nutritional info not provided.