Classic recipe for Banana bread

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruits, etc.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4×8 inch (10×20 cm) loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix until well combined.
4. Stir in the baking soda and salt. Mix well.
5. Add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth.
6. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
7. If desired, you can fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits at this stage.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time can vary, so start checking around 45 minutes.
10. Once done, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
11. After 10 minutes, carefully transfer the banana bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once completely cooled, slice and serve.

Enjoy your homemade banana bread! This recipe is just a starting point; feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins or variations.