Better Homes and Gardens Banana Bread

From the Better Homes and Gardens red plaid cookbook. THE best banana bread out there! I always add some cinnamon sugar on top before baking, which adds a subtle but delicious difference. Makes a yummy, crispy top crust! Try it... you won't be disappointed!

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 16
• Yields: 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 1  egg
• 3  bananas
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 1⁄4 cup  cooking oil
• 1  teaspoon  shredded lemon peel (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Grease the bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan; set aside. In a medium mixing bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and set aside.
2. In another bowl combine egg, bananas, sugar, cooking oil, and (if desired) lemon peel. Add egg mixture all at once to dry mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter should be lumpy). Fold in nuts if desired.
3. Spoon batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with some cinnamon sugar (like you would use for cinnamon toast). Bake in a 350 degree oven 50-55 minutes or till a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove loaf from pan and cool on rack.