Classic Bob Evans Banana Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Set aside.

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This may take about 3 to 4 minutes.

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine the mashed bananas with the butter mixture and stir until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.