The most basic banana bread

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 ºF. Butter and flour a 8½" x 4½" loaf pan OR a 9"x5" loaf pan, then line the bottom with a rectangle of parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3

In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar for at least 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl often to make sure the mixture is evenly whipped.

Step 4

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing in between each addition. Mix in the vanilla.

Step 5

Add the mashed banana. Mix well, scraping the bottom and sides to incorporate everything.

Step 6

Dump in the flour and fold it in with your spatula.

Step 7

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf cake pan. Smooth the top to even it out.

Step 8

Bake for 60–65 minutes for a 9x5" loaf or up to 75 minutes for an 8.5"x4.5" pan, until the edges are a deep golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the middle comes out clean.