Joy of Cooking Banana Bread (Easy Recipe)

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Grease the bottom and sides of a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with butter and dust with flour.

Step 2

Arrange walnuts or pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 7 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool. Keep the oven on.

Step 3

Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.

Step 4

In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, mashed bananas, and vanilla until well combined.

Step 5

Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Gently mix with a rubber spatula and stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.

Step 6

Mix in the cooled nuts very gently. The batter will be thick and chunky.

Step 7

Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 55 to 60 minutes.

Step 8

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Flip over onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, serve, and enjoy!