Candied Pecan Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup Mill Creek Farms chopped candied pecans, plus extra for topping
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
3. In a large bowl, beat together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the mashed bananas to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the chopped candied pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle additional chopped candied pecans over the top if desired.
8. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
9. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!