Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 cup)
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
  • 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • (Optional Add-ins: 3/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), 3/4 cup chocolate chips)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F ( 175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
  2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth.
  3. Stir in the melted butter into the mashed bananas until well combined.
  4. Add both sugars to the banana mixture and mix thoroughly. This will help dissolve the sugars.
  5. Beat in the egg and then add vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
  6. Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture. If youre adding cinnamon, do it now as well. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Gradually fold in the flour with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain; be careful not to overmix as this can make your bread dense.
  8. If youre including walnuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them in at this stage.