Banana Walnut Bread

 

A comforting classic that is moreish and a great way to use up that ripen forlorn fruit hanging about your kitchen. 

Banana Walnut Bread

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1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped walnuts

extra chopped walnuts for the top

Heat oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease and flour 2, 8 inch loaf tins, or 1 loaf tin that measures 9 x 5 x 3 inches. Line the bottom with baking parchment.

Using a fork, mash the bananas in a bowl.

In another bowl combine the flour, baking soda, salt and walnuts.

In a large bowl mix together the sugar and butter. Stir in the eggs until will blended. Stir in the bananas, milk and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir in the flour mixture until just moistened. Spoon the batter into the pans. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top. 

Bake two 8 inch loaves for about 50 to 60 minutes or one 9 inch loaf 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans on a wire rack. Loosen the sides of the loaves from the pans; remove from pans and place top side up on a wire rack. Cool completely.