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Classic Banana Bread
A classic banana bread brings comforting aromas and rich flavor to any kitchen. Very ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and a dense, moist texture that holds together beautifully. Butter and vanilla extract add depth to the crumb, making it an ideal companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon snack. Bake a loaf on the weekend to enjoy thick, satisfying slices all week long.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ cups mashed very ripe bananas (3 medium)
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup butter or margarine (1 stick), softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- 1Heat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5-inch metal loaf pan. Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together in a medium bowl. Mash the bananas in a separate small bowl, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- 2Beat the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl using a mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- 3Turn the mixer down to low speed. Add the dry flour mixture and the wet banana mixture alternately to the butter, starting and finishing with the flour. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
- 4Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.
- 5Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before turning it out to cool completely.