Creating your Foolproof Banana Bread is a straightforward process if you follow these clear steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mash the Bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they are smooth but still have a few chunks for texture.

3. Mix in the Butter: Stir in the melted butter into the mashed bananas until well combined.

4. Add Baking Soda and Salt: Mix in the baking soda and salt, ensuring an even distribution in the mixture.

5. Combine Sugar: Stir in the granulated sugar until it’s fully absorbed by the banana mixture.

6. Incorporate the Egg: Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything combines smoothly.

7. Fold in Flour: Finally, add the all-purpose flour and stir gently just until the flour disappears. Do not overmix as this can lead to a tough bread.

8. Pour into Pan: Transfer your banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

9. Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.

Following these steps will help you create a mouthwatering loaf of banana bread that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!