Homemade Banana Bread

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs, large

2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3-4 medium bananas (or 2 large bananas)

1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line two 8x4 bread pans with parchment paper (or grease well with butter or baking spray).*

In a medium sized bowl, use a fork to mash the bananas until they are well mashed (I like them to be well mashed with small bits of banana pieces for texture). Set aside.

In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or standing mixer to cream the butter and sugar together.

Once combined, add in the eggs. Cream the mixture until well combined.

Next, add in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined.

Lastly, add in the mashed bananas and the vanilla extract. Mix until all the bananas have been incorporated into the batter.

Divide the batter evenly between the two bread pans and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is puffed, brown, and a cake tester comes out clean when inserted in the center.**

Allow the bread to cool for about 5-10 minutes in the pan, then remove the banana bread from the loaf pans and allow them to continue cooling on a wire rack.

Serve warm, room temperature, or cold. I like to spread a little butter on mine!

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