Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your oven will be ready to bake your banana bread perfectly. While that heats up, it’s a great time to prepare your baking pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
- Take a 7 x 4-inch baking pan and grease it generously with cooking spray or butter. To make things even easier, line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. This will prevent the banana bread from sticking, making it super easy to remove once it’s baked.
Step 3: Mix the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, place your mashed bananas. You want them to be very ripe because this enhances the sweetness. Add the sweetened condensed milk next. The milk not only sweetens the bread but also keeps it incredibly moist. Whisk the two ingredients together until they’re well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
- Now, gently fold in the self-rising flour into the banana mixture. If you decided to add a pinch of salt and cinnamon, do so at this stage. Stir until just combined; overmixing may lead to a tough loaf, and we don't want that! Keep an eye out for any flour pockets, and ensure everything is uniformly mixed.
Step 5: Transfer to Pan
- Spoon the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to level the top gently, ensuring an even bake. Give the pan a little shake to eliminate any air bubbles that might be lurking.
Step 6: Bake
- Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It’s done when it comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
- Once baked, carefully remove the banana bread from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice it up and get ready to enjoy your creation!
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor. The more spotted, the better!
- If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour and add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt.
- Consider mixing in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to enhance texture.
- Don’t rush the cooling process; it’s crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Store any leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for optimal freshness.
