Classic Banana Bread


MAKES ONE 9-INCH LOAF

For best flavor, use bananas that are very ripe.

2

cups (10 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour

¾

cup (5¼ ounces) sugar

¾

teaspoon baking soda

½

teaspoon table salt

3

very ripe bananas, mashed well (about 1½ cups)

¼

cup plain yogurt

2

large eggs, lightly beaten

6

tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1

teaspoon vanilla extract

cup walnuts, toasted and chopped coarse

1. Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan; set aside.

2. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl; set aside.

3. Mix the mashed bananas, yogurt, eggs, butter, and vanilla together with a wooden spoon in a medium bowl. Lightly fold the banana mixture into the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula until just combined and the batter looks thick and chunky. Fold in the walnuts. Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a rubber spatula.

4. Bake until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.