This is a darker and moister banana bread that I personally think tastes best without any additions – although you could add nuts or chocolate chips if you want. Standalone it makes a great portable snack for our family.

Ingredients

• 3 cups mashed bananas (approx. 5-6 bananas)
• 1 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup Earth balance, melted
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Yield: 1 large 9” loaf

Preheat oven to 350^o.

Using a stand mixer, mix together the brown sugar and mashed bananas. Add in the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until well blended.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the nuts or chocolate chips, if using.

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.