Janet’s Rich Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Equipment:

• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Toothpick (for testing doneness)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your banana bread bakes evenly.

1. Prepare the Loaf Pan:

• Grease your 9×5 inch loaf pan with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.

1. Mash the Bananas:

• In a large mixing bowl, use a fork or potato masher to thoroughly mash the 3 ripe bananas until smooth. Some small lumps are okay, but aim for a mostly smooth texture.

1. Mix Wet Ingredients:

• Add 1/2 cup of melted butter to the mashed bananas. Stir well to combine.
• Next, add 1 cup of granulated sugar, mixing until well blended.
• Incorporate 2 large beaten eggs and 1 tsp of vanilla extract into the mixture. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 tsp baking soda and 1/4 tsp salt with 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent.

1. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few flour streaks left. Overmixing can lead to dense bread.

1. Add Optional Ingredients:

• If you’re using chopped nuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter now. This adds texture and flavor to your banana bread.

1. Pour into Pan:

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

1. Bake:

• Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. Start checking for doneness around the 55-minute mark.
• Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your banana bread is done. If not, continue baking and check every 5 minutes.

1. Cool:
   • Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows it to firm up and makes it easier to remove from the pan.
   • Carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Slice and Serve:
   • Once cool, slice the banana bread with a serrated knife. Serve it plain or with a pat of butter or cream cheese.

Tips for Success:

• Choosing Bananas: The best bananas for this recipe are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. They are sweeter and easier to mash.
• Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.
• Variations: Experiment with add-ins like shredded coconut, dried fruit, or different nuts to create your unique version of banana bread.

Enjoy baking and savoring your rich, homemade banana bread!