Easy Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup room-temperature butter, unsalted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 4 ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
- 1 banana, peeled and cut in half lengthwise for topping/presentation (optional, see photos above)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or coat with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter using a mixer until softened. Add in sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and eggs, one at a time, continue mixing until well combined.
- Fold in mashed bananas and half of the dry ingredients, stir to combine. Add in the rest of the dry ingredients and stir for 2 more minutes, or until well incorporated. Do not overmix the batter. Fold in chopped nut or chocolate chips (if using).
- Spoon the batter into prepared loaf pan and spread it into one even layer.
- Optional Step: Place the sliced banana, that was cut lengthwise, gently on top of the batter with the flat part of the cut facing upwards. See photos above.
- Place into oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
Notes
For storing: Cover loaf pan with plastic wrap or place into an air tight container. Keep at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.