Recipe of the Week: “Peel the Love” Banana Bread | National Banana Bread Day

The Outer Banks Life Recipe of the Week is commemorating National Banana Bread Day with a warm, slice-of-home classic.

Utilizing staple baking ingredients, it’s the perfect way to make use of that bundle of bananas collecting spots on your kitchen countertop!

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• ¾ cup sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• Pinch of salt

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth.

3. Stir in melted butter.

4. Mix in sugar, egg, and vanilla.

5. Sprinkle baking soda and salt over mixture; stir to combine.

6. Add flour and gently fold until just incorporated.

7. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.

8. Pour into loaf pan and bake 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.