My Best Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 1 stick butter, unsalted

• 6 to 8 oz chopped walnuts (small package)

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

• 4 large ripe bananas (5 to 6 medium)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 8 oz creme fraiche

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preparation

1. Let the butter warm to room temperature.

2. Preheat oven to 350F

3. Prepare a loaf or bundt cake pan. Butter the pan (I use butter non-stick spray) and line the bottom with parchment paper if using loaf pan.

4. Mash bananas in a bowl with lemon juice, and zest. In a second bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. In a mixer with the paddle attachment, combine butter and sugar. Add in eggs, one at a time, and mix together until combined. Add creme fraiche and vanilla and mix. Next, add dry ingredients and mix. Add mashed bananas and mix until combined. Add walnuts and chocolate chips, if desired and mix.

6. Pour the batter into pan and sprinkle the top with a thin layer of coarse sugar if using a loaf pan. (The sprinkling of sugar gives a nice crust when it bakes).

7. Bake approximately 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the loaf comes out clean.

Keywords: Bread Dessert