Use very ripe bananas — they make the bread naturally sweet. • Don’t overmix after adding the flour; just fold gently. • Serve warm with butter or cream cheese for extra indulgence.

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature) ¾ cup brown sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 ripe bananas (mashed) ½ cup sour cream ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time.
5. Add bananas & vanilla: Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
6. Combine with dry ingredients: Gradually fold in flour mixture, then add buttermilk until smooth.
7. Add nuts (optional): Fold in walnuts or pecans if using.
8. Bake: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.