Classic Banana Bread

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a small loaf pan (approx. 18x9 cm). In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth but with a few small lumps remaining. Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.

Add the mashed bananas to the wet ingredients. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few streaks of flour are fine.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.

Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.