Moist Banana Bread

Nothing beats the smell of banana bread baking in the oven. This loaf is soft, moist, and full of sweet banana flavour, with a golden crust and a tender crumb — perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or an afternoon treat with a cup of tea.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 55 minutes | Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 100 g butter, melted
• 150 g sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 200 g plain flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 50 g chopped walnuts (optional)

Method

1. Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a loaf tin with baking paper. Mash the bananas in a large bowl, then stir in the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
2. Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, and fold gently until just combined. Stir in the walnuts if using.
3. Pour into the tin and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until golden and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
4. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then lift out onto a rack. Slice once cool.

Tips

The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister the bread — use bananas with brown spots for the best flavour. Do not overmix the batter, or the loaf will be tough. It keeps for four days in an airtight container, and it freezes well in slices.