Banana Bread

I think I make banana bread every single time I have leftover bananas. I usually put them in a bag and put the bag in the fridge for a day or two to make them extra soft. But if you leave them out on the counter, they work just fine. This recipe is my go-to recipe for banana bread. It is so good, tender, fluffy, and full of flavor. It is perfect for any time of year.

Let’s get started.

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/3 C. All-purpose flour
3/4 Tsp. Kosher salt ( or 1/3 tsp fine salt)
1/2 Tsp. Baking soda
1/4 Tsp. Baking powder
1/2 Tsp. Ground cinnamon
2 Tsp. Vanilla extract
1/8 Tsp. Nutmeg
1/8 Tsp. Ground allspice
1/16 Tsp. Ground cloves (A pinch)
3/4 C. Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts
6 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter ( see note) – room temp/softened
2/3 C. Sugar
2 Eggs – lightly beaten
1 C. (2 bananas) smashed Bananas

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350*. Butter and line an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 Inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, whisk the butter and sugar until pale in color and fluffy.
4. Whisk in the eggs one at a time until well combined.
5. Add the smashed bananas and mix to combine.
6. Add the pecans/walnuts to the flour and mix to coat the nuts.
7. Add the flour to the banana mixture and gently fold in until there are no more bits of flour in the batter. Only mix until the batter is combined, and try not to overmix the batter.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level out the batter.
9. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs when inserted into the center of the bread.
10. Remove and let stand for 5 minutes before removing from the pan. Place on a wire rack to cool to room temperature before serving.
11. Serve as desired.
    

NOTES:

• If you are using salted butter, cut the salt amount in half. Otherwise, the banana bread will be too salty.
• To toast the pecans/walnuts. Place dry nuts on a sheet tray and bake at 350* for 8 to 10 minutes or until they begin to become fragrant. Remove and cool. Chop and add to the recipe.
• Additional add-ins: ½–1 cup chocolate chips, ½ cup toasted walnuts, ½ cup shredded coconut, or ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries.