Birthday Banana Bread

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 very ripe medium bananas

  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 tsp vanilla paste

  • 1 cup toasted walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a bread loaf pan.

  2. Toast and roughly chop the walnuts.

  3. Cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter until light and fluffy.

  4. Mash the bananas in a separate bowl, then mix in the cinnamon and vanilla paste. Beat in the eggs one at a time.

  5. Gradually incorporate the creamed sugar mixture into the banana mixture.

  6. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold into the wet ingredients until just combined.

  7. Gently stir in the toasted walnuts if using.

  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  9. Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack. Serve slightly warm for the best flavor!

Tips for Perfect Bread:

  • Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest flavor and best texture.

  • Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars.

  • Toasting the walnuts brings out their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the bread.

  • Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients; this keeps the bread tender.

  • Let the banana bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to maintain its shape.