Mine were the same. First the bananas need to be ripe. The more brown spots the better. I would use the mixer and follow directions and then one day after all the ingredients were mixed with the exception of the bananas, my mixer quit. So I just broke up the bananas and half mashed them so they were just a little lumpy. Then I added the bananas til they were just mixed well. I also used a slight more baking powder than recipe called for. Had a nice rize and good flavor. I also added some chopped walnut pieces in. Others may have some good recipes. Funny you posted this recipe inquiry, I was thinking earlier how I was hungry for that and cranberry walnut with cream cheese spread. Yummm!! Thank You. I will look at check other comments!