Banana bread is the bake that forgives everything. Too-ripe bananas? Perfect. Not much time? It takes ten minutes to mix. Here's our tried-and-tested version.

You will need

  • 3 very ripe bananas
  • 75g melted butter
  • 150g light brown sugar
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • A pinch of salt
  • 190g plain flour
  • A handful of walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 175°C (155°C fan) and line a 2lb loaf tin.
  2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl, then stir in the melted butter.
  3. Mix in the sugar, egg and vanilla.
  4. Sprinkle over the bicarbonate of soda and salt, then fold in the flour until just combined.
  5. Add nuts or chocolate if using, pour into the tin and bake for 55–65 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean.

Tip: leave it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. It slices better — and tastes even better the next day.