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Ultimate Banana Bread

This banana bread is moist, flavorful, and packed with ripe bananas, raisins, and toasted walnuts. It’s a fantastic way to use overripe bananas!

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe medium bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted, cooled, and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter and lightly dust with flour. Tap out excess flour.
2. Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork until smooth and pudding-like.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Add softened butter and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Add Eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Fold in Add-Ins: Gently fold in raisins, toasted walnuts, and vanilla extract.
7. Pour Batter: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve: Slice and enjoy!

Tips

• Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
• Walnuts: Toast walnuts at 175°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to enhance their flavor before adding.
• Storage: Store leftover banana bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Optional Adjustments

• Flour Alternatives: Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free flours if needed.
• Egg/Dairy Substitutes: For vegan options, replace eggs with 1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water, and use coconut oil instead of butter.

Enjoy your delicious banana bread!

Nutrition Information (approximate)

• Calories: Varies by serving size
• Fat: Varies by ingredients
• Carbohydrates: Varies
• Protein: Varies