2 1/2cupsoverripe bananasmashed (from about 5 large bananas)
2teaspoonsvanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x5 loaf pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar. Add in the applesauce, eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top feels firm when gently pressed down.
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes then turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
If you use salted butter, you may want to reduce the salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
Your bananas should be overripe and deep brown for the best banana flavor.
Be sure to bake the banana bread long enough. Pulling it out of the oven too early will result in a soggy center. If it's getting too deeply browned, tent with foil to finish baking.