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## **Instructions**
### **1. Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease and line a **9×5-inch loaf pan** with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
### **2. Mash the Bananas**
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Small lumps are fine – they add texture!
### **3. Mix Wet Ingredients**
Add **melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract** to the mashed bananas. Whisk together until fully combined and smooth.
### **4. Combine Dry Ingredients**
In a separate bowl, whisk together **flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon**. If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, mix them into the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution.
### **5. Mix Everything Together**
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined – overmixing can make the bread dense.
### **6. Pour and Bake**
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for **50-60 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent the bread with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
### **7. Cool and Serve**
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about **10 minutes**, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
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## **Tips for the Best Banana Bread**
– **Use Overripe Bananas:** The riper, the better! Bananas with brown spots or even black skins are ideal for the sweetest, most flavorful banana bread.
– **Enhance the Flavor:** A dash of nutmeg or a tablespoon of honey can add a deeper, richer taste.
– **Keep It Moist:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or wrap and refrigerate for up to a week.
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## **Delicious Variations**
– **Nutty Banana Bread:** Stir in **½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts** for extra crunch.
– **Chocolate Banana Bread:** Mix in **½ cup chocolate chips** for a sweet, indulgent touch.
– **Banana Muffins:** Turn this recipe into muffins by pouring the batter into a lined muffin tin and baking for **20-25 minutes**.
This **rich banana bread** is a classic, comforting treat that’s simple to make and always satisfying. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a spread of butter, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the natural sweetness of bananas in a soft, flavorful loaf. 🍌🍞
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