Classic Banana Bread with Butter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Leave some small chunks for texture, if desired.

Add the softened butter to the mashed bananas and mix until well combined.

Stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until the flour is fully incorporated. Do not overmix to ensure a tender bread.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.