Bahama Bread

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or 8-inch round cake pan.

Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, then set aside.

Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl using an electric mixer or by hand until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and lemon juice, mixing until well combined.

Mash the bananas thoroughly until smooth, then fold them into the butter mixture until just combined.

Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the banana mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, stirring gently after each addition until just combined.

Fold in the chopped nuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Remove from oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.