Step 1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 4. Add Mashed Bananas

Fold in the mashed bananas until they are evenly incorporated into the batter.

Step 5. Add Dry Ingredients

Sift the self-raising flour and salt into the bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. If desired, fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips at this stage.

Step 6. Pour into the Loaf Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 7. Bake the Banana Bread

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly domed.

Step 8. Cool and Serve

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy on its own, or with a spread of butter or jam.