Rich Banana Bread Homemade

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 ripe bananas)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until thoroughly combined.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and mashed ripe bananas until well incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
6. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.