Irresistible Banana Bread

Banana BreadPhoto byEvangelina SilinaonUnsplash

Warm banana bread is the ultimate comfort food.

Few things signify a feeling of home more than the smell of banana bread baking in the oven. A nice slice of cinnamon-y banana bread goes well with a mug of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or milk.

This recipe for homemade banana bread uses just a few ingredients, can be made with or without nuts, and tastes delicious. It's a great way to prevent wasting over-ripe bananas.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 overripe bananas, peeled and mashed
• 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup brown (or white) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) melted butter
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF (177ºC).
2. Grease and flour a loaf pan.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, egg, vanilla extract, and nuts, if using.
4. Pour melted butter into the mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Slice and serve.