Classic Banana Bread with Walnuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in the mashed bananas until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until no dry flour remains. Fold in the chopped walnuts, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts over the top if desired. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil during the final 15 minutes of baking.

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. It's delicious on its own or spread with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey.