Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 4 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly butter a 9×5 loaf pan and set aside. (two smaller loaf pans work as well, but start watching for doneness in about 40 minutes)
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer, mix together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 4-5 minutes). Mix in the vanilla, and the eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the mashed banana and mix until fully combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, making sure not to overmix the batter. Then stir in the chopped walnuts.
5. Scoop the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it around into one even layer.
6. Bake at 350° F for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent with aluminum foil to prevent excess browning if needed.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the loaf pan for 20 minutes. Carefully remove the bread from the loaf pan and transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.