1-Start your banana bread adventure by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan that’s about 9.25 x 5.25 x 2.75 inches. This sets the stage for even baking and easy removal later. Lightly roast the walnuts in a pan while stirring continuously, then chop and let them cool before adding them in.

2-Next, cream together the softened butter and sugar or honey if you’re substituting in a mixing bowl until it’s smooth and fluffy. Mash the bananas with a fork until they’re chunky like applesauce, then mix them into the batter along with the beaten eggs for that perfect moisture. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together before adding it to the banana mixture to avoid lumps.

3-Stir in the vanilla extract, along with the walnuts and raisins if you’re using them, then pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and let the bread rest for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool. The preparation time is about 10 minutes for prepping, 1 hour for cooking, and a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it ideal for any schedule.