Step 1

Preheat oven to 350º.

Step 2

Begin with room temperature butter or shortening. I used butter this time.

Step 3

Cream together the butter and sugar. This should be really creamy, not crumbly.

Step 4

Add in eggs and continue to mix. Set aside.

Step 5

Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 6

Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients and mix well.

Step 7

Break up very ripe bananas and add to the batter along with vanilla. Mix lightly until just combined.

Step 8

Add walnut pieces.

Step 9

Prepare a loaf pan with non-stick spray.

Step 10

Add batter to pan.

Step 11

Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Set for 50 minutes and keep checking until done.

Step 12

Let cool.

Step 13

Serve warm or room temperature.