Step 2

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Step 4

Lightly grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan

Step 6

Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

Step 8

Mash two of the bananas with a fork in a separate bowl.  Make sure they still have a bit of texture.

Step 10

With an electric mixture, mix the remaining two bananas and sugar together for at least 3 minutes in a large bowl.  You want the mixture to be a light and fluffy cream.

Step 12

Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the banana cream mixture.  Beat well, and scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 14

Fold in the dry ingredients, until everything is mixed together (don't over blend). Add the nuts and the mashed bananas with a rubber spatula.

Step 16

Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan.

Step 18

Tap the pan on the counter to get the bubbles out of the dough.

Step 20

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes at 350 degrees.  Rotate the bread regularly to make sure it browns on every side. Bake until the bread is a golden brown.  Insert the toothpick into the middle of the bread and if it comes out clean, it's ready.

Step 22

Let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes.  When you're ready to serve the banana bread, toast the bread slices and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.