Banana Bread

Instructions

1. Prepare your equipment
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
2. Mix wet ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine dry ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring just until moistened. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Add optional ingredients
   If using walnuts, gently fold them into the batter. You can reserve a small handful to sprinkle on top of the loaf before baking for decoration.
5. Transfer to pan
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If reserved, sprinkle the remaining walnuts on top.
6. Bake the bread
   Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached. The top should be golden brown and cracked.
7. Cool and serve
   Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the texture set properly.