Banana Bread Sticks

### Banana Bread Sticks

If you’re a fan of traditional banana bread but looking to switch things up a bit, these delightful Banana Bread Sticks are just the thing you need. Perfect for snacking, breakfast, or even as a sweet treat, these sticks offer a twist on the classic banana bread recipe. With a crispy exterior and a soft, moist interior, these banana bread sticks are sure to become a family favorite in no time. Let’s get baking!

**Ingredients:**
– 3 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Optional: chopped nuts or chocolate chips for topping

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat and Prepare**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. **Mash Bananas**: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth.

3. **Mix Wet Ingredients**: Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.

4. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. **Form the Sticks**: Transfer the banana bread batter to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter onto the prepared baking sheet in long stick shapes, about 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. Leave some space between each stick.

7. **Optional Toppings**: If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top of the banana bread sticks.

8. **Bake**: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. **Cool and Serve**: Once baked, remove the banana bread sticks from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

10. **Storage**: Store any leftover banana bread sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

These Banana Bread Sticks are a fun and delicious twist on a classic favorite. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, they are sure to bring a smile to your face. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings to make them your own. Give this recipe a try and let the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread fill your home!