Classic Banana Bread

• 3 very ripe bananas
• 115 g unsalted butter, melted
• 150 g brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 190 g all-purpose flour
• 60 g walnuts, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar, for the top

Method

1. 01Heat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Butter a 23 by 13 cm loaf pan and line it with a strip of parchment.
2. 02Mash the bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth. Stir in the melted butter and brown sugar.
3. 03Beat in the egg and vanilla, then stir in the baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
4. 04Add the flour and fold until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix. Fold in the walnuts if using.
5. 05Scrape into the pan, smooth the top and sprinkle with the granulated sugar.
6. 06Bake for 60 minutes, until a skewer in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too fast, tent with foil after 40 minutes.
7. 07Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool on a rack before slicing.