Banana Bread Recipe: Dad's Banana Bread

Servings: 12
Ingredients
(c=cup)

1. 1 tsp Baking soda1 tsp Salt
2. 1 1/4 c walnuts or pecans
3. 1 tsp Vanilla extract
4. 1/2 c unsalted butter
5. 1 1/4 c Sugar
6. 2 1/2 c All-purpose flour
7. 2 large Eggs
8. 1 1/2 c bananas
9. 1/2 c Buttermilk

Directions:

• Adjust oven rack to lower middle position (so that top of pan will be in center of oven) & preheat oven to 350° F. 
• Grease bottom only of regular loaf pan, or grease & flour bottom & sides of nonstick 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan. Set aside.
• If using, spread nuts on rimmed baking sheet & bake until fragrant & deep golden brown, 5 to 10 mins. 
• Transfer nuts to cutting board to cool; chop coarsely & set aside. 
• Whisk the nuts, salt, baking soda, and flour together in a big bowl. Set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the sugar & butter on medium speed up to light & fluffy. 
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. 
• Add the bananas and beat until smooth. 
• Add the vanilla & buttermilk & beat just until combined. 
• Pour banana mixture onto dry ingredients and gently fold until just incorporated. 
• The batter should be slightly lumpy.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan & smooth the top. 
• It should be no more than two-thirds full. 
• Bake up to the loaf is golden brown, the edges pull away from the sides of the pan & a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 60 mins and 15 mins. 
• Rotate the pan periodically to ensure even browning. 
• Let the bread rest in the pan for 5 mins, then turn the loaf out onto a wire rack & let cool completely. 
• Cut into thick slices to serve.
• Makes one 9-by-5-inch loaf. 
• Cooks Notes:
  If using a glass 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan, bake at 325° F for about 90 mins . To make mini muffins, bake for about 18 to 20 mins.