Banana Bread Loaf Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1/3 cup melted butter

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (you can adjust to 1 cup for a sweeter loaf)

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• A pinch of salt

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the pan with butter.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth.

2. Stir in the melted butter, making sure it blends well with the bananas.

3. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. Sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of salt over the banana mixture and stir to combine.

2. Add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, and fold gently until the flour is fully incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix.

3. If you’re using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter now.

Step 4: Bake the Banana Bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.

2. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

2. After that, transfer the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving Tip:

• Slice the banana bread and serve as is, or with a spread of butter, honey, or cream cheese for added flavor. Enjoy!