Banana Bread

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 2 (9- by 5- by 3-inch) metal loaf pans, then dust with flour, knocking out excess.

   Step 2

   Sift together 3 1/4 cups flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into a bowl.

   Step 3

   Beat together eggs and sugar in bowl of electric mixer at medium-high speed until very thick and pale and mixture forms a ribbon when beater is lifted, about 10 minutes. Reduce speed to low and add oil in a slow stream, mixing, then mix in bananas, crème fraîche, and vanilla. Remove bowl from mixer and fold in flour mixture and walnuts gently but thoroughly.

   Step 4

   Divide batter between loaf pans, spreading evenly, and bake in middle of oven until golden brown and a wooden pick or skewer comes out clean, 1 to 1 1/4 hours.

   Step 5

   Cool loaves in pans on a rack 10 minutes, then turn out onto rack. Turn loaves right side up and cool completely.

   Do ahead: Banana bread keeps, wrapped well in plastic wrap, at room temperature 2 days or frozen 1 month.