Mason Jar Banana Bread

Ingredients:

For the bread:

3 very ripe bananas, mashed

2 eggs

1/3 cup melted butter

½ cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour

2 ¾ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

16 oz. wide mouth mason jars (makes 3-4 jars)

Optional Streusel Topping:

¼ cup flour

2 tablespoons softened butter

2 tablespoons sugar

This really is a fairly simple bread to throw together. You can make it with or without the streusel topping. I do like to add some banana extract to the batter because I like a really strong banana flavor but if you don’t have it on hand, just substitute with vanilla extract. Those overripe bananas help make this bread so moist!

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325F degrees. Spray inside mason jar with nonstick spray. In a medium bowl, combine mashed bananas, eggs, butter and sugar and extract.

Mix thoroughly, then add dry ingredients; flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon

Mix until combined then stir in chopped walnuts, chocolate chips if you prefer.

Pour batter into mason jar 1/2 way.

To make optional streusel topping:  Combine flour, butter and sugar until crumbly.

Sprinkle on top of batter. Bake bread for about 40-50 minutes. If using a smaller jar, less time needed.  Bread should spring back to the touch.  Or you can insert a toothpick in the middle. It should come out clean (no batter sticking to it.)

Allow to cool before removing from jar.  Serve and enjoy!