1-Getting started: Getting started with banana bread is straightforward and fun, even if you’re new to baking. First, preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a loaf pan that’s about 9.25 inches long, 5.25 inches wide, and 2.75 inches deep by greasing and flouring it. If you’re adding walnuts, lightly roast them in a pan while stirring to keep them from burning, then chop and let them cool to room temperature before mixing.

2-Next, in a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar or honey if you’re going that route until it’s smooth and fluffy. Then, mash the bananas with a fork until they have a chunky applesauce-like texture and add them to the butter mix along with the beaten eggs, blending everything well. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold this dry mix into your banana batter.

3-Stir in the vanilla extract, along with the chopped walnuts and raisins if you choose to include them, and mix until combined. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread rest for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool fully.