Ingredients:
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (240 g)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (100 g)
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar, firmly packed (100 g)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (5 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder (2 g)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (4 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (2 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (3 g)
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Neutral Oil (e.g., Canola, Vegetable) (120 ml)
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (5 ml)
- 1 1/2 cups Overripe Bananas, mashed (Approx. 3-4 large bananas)
- 1 1/2 cups Medium Zucchinis, grated and squeezed dry (Approx. 200 g)
- 1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (Optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C. Grease and flour a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper leaving an overhang (a 'sling').
- Grate the zucchini (use the large holes on a box grater). Place the grated zucchini in a clean tea towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for moisture control. Set aside.
- Mash the overripe bananas thoroughly in a small bowl until mostly smooth (a few lumps are fine). Set aside.
- In the first large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, both sugars (granulated and brown), baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until uniformly combined.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the neutral oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until just emulsified and slightly frothy.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Use a rubber spatula to mix gently until just combined. Stop mixing when you see a few streaks of flour remaining.
- Gently fold in the mashed banana and the thoroughly drained zucchini. If using, fold in the optional nuts now. Do not overmix the batter.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Continue baking for another 25–35 minutes (total time 55-65 minutes). The loaf is done when a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes to allow the crumb to set properly.
- Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.