Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare and mix
- Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 9x5 loaf pan.
- Cream butter and sugar until light, then beat in the eggs, milk, and vanilla.
- Stir in mashed bananas until combined.
- Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together and fold into the banana mixture until just combined.
- Fold in pecans or walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake and serve
- Bake at 325°F for 60–70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is a deep golden brown.
- Cool in the pan at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with softened butter.
Notes
For the best texture, stop mixing as soon as the flour streaks disappear so the crumb stays tender. Store banana bread covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days. Freeze slices in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months, then thaw at room temperature. For a simple swap, use unsalted butter and add a pinch more salt if needed to match the flavor.
