Banana Bread

Introduction

Banana bread is the ultimate pantry bake — simple, forgiving, and endlessly adaptable. The riper the bananas, the better the bread. This recipe produces a tender, moist loaf with a caramelized top and deep banana flavor that fills the entire kitchen with warmth.

Ingredients

• 3 large overripe bananas, mashed
• 80g unsalted butter, melted
• 150g sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 190g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 60g chopped walnuts (optional)

How to Make

1. Mash the bananas with a fork in a large bowl until mostly smooth with a few chunks remaining.
2. Stir in the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently until just combined — do not overmix or the bread will be tough.
4. Fold in the walnuts if using.
5. Pour the batter into a greased 23x13cm (9x5-inch) loaf pan.
6. Bake at 175°C (345°F) for 55-65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Conclusion

Banana bread is even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld. Slice it thick, toast it, and spread with a generous amount of butter. If you want to take it further, add chocolate chips or a swirl of peanut butter to the batter.