Classic Easy Banana Bread

classic easy banana bread recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

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

2. Prepare Bananas:

   • Peel the ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl.
   • Mash the bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

   • Add the beaten eggs to the mashed bananas and mix well.
   • Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring to combine.

4. Add Dry Ingredients:

   • Sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of salt over the banana mixture and mix thoroughly.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and optional cinnamon and nutmeg.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
   • If using, fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

6. Fill the Pan:

   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

7. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep in mind that baking times may vary, so start checking around 50 minutes.

8. Cool:

   • Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
   • Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

9. Serve:

   • Once cooled, slice the banana bread into thick slices and enjoy!

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins or spices. Whether it's served warm or at room temperature, this classic banana bread is sure to be a hit!