World's Best Banana Bread

• 3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

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

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth.

3. 3

   Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Add granulated sugar and mix until well combined and slightly lighter in color.

4. 4

   Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully combined before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. 5

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly distributed.

6. 6

   Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture using a gentle motion. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain.

7. 7

   Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans if using, distributing them evenly through the batter.

8. 8

   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Tap the pan on the countertop once or twice to remove large air bubbles.

9. 9

   Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.