How to Make Banana Bread

There is nothing like a slice of warm, freshly banana bread slathered with salted butter. This tried and true recipe makes it easy to bake from scratch (while using up all those leftover, over-ripe bananas) without spending too much time in the kitchen.

What is the best thing about this recipe? All you need is a single mixing bowl and spoon! The wet ingredients are simply mixed into the dry and presto! Your batter is ready.

You will need sugar, butter, vanilla, buttermilk and ripe bananas—bananas covered in bruises will yield the most flavour here. If your bananas are not ripe enough, cut them in half lengthwise in the peel and roast them in a hot oven until they begin to soften and caramelize. This will enhance their natural sweetness.

The batter is scraped into prepared loaf pans and baked until golden (a skewer inserted in the centre should come out clean). Although this recipe adds pecans to the mix, feel free to substitute your choice of nuts. Throw is some dried fruit for added texture and sweetness. As with any great baking recipe, the sky is the limit when it comes to creativity! Pistachios, walnuts, cashews, raisins, dried cranberries and other dried berries all work well here. Fold in some Matcha powder and chopped dark chocolate for an innovative version your guests will love.

All it takes is a few ripe bananas, some basic ingredients and a few minutes and you will have a home baked treat the whole family will enjoy. Serve it straight out of the oven plain or drizzled with honey. This moist and delicious banana bread will keep, covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. It freezes well too. Wrap it tightly and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 weeks.