Classic Banana Bread Recipe

Making the Classic Banana Bread

1. Preheat oven to 180c / 160c Fan-forced.
2. Grease 14cm x 21cm loaf pan and line base and long sides with baking paper, extending paper 5cm above long sides. Add some extra oil or butter to help stick the baking paper to the pan if needed.
3. Beat the butter, vanilla extract and brown sugar in a small bowl until light and fluffy.
4. Beat each egg one at a time and then transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the banana, then sifted plain flour and self raising flour in 2 batches. After, you can fold in the walnuts into the mix, if desired. Spread the mixture into the pan.
5. Cover pan with aluminium foil and bake for 40 minutes.
6. Uncover and bake for a further 30 minutes. Test if ready by inserting a knife into the center. It should come up clean. Stand for 5 minutes and cool on wire rack.
7. Optional Glaze - In the last 5 minutes of baking, quickly heat up the 2 teaspoons of strawberry jam in the microwave for 10 seconds until melted. (If not, use 5 second intervals until jam has melted). Spread melted jam over the top of the bread and return to oven for the last 5 minutes.
8. Slice when cooled and keep in an airtight container.
9. You can toast the banana bread to re-heat it when eating.
10. Serve plain, with butter or with jam.