Banana Loaf

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Sift the plain flour, baking powder, and baking soda into a large mixing bowl.
3. Incorporate the Fat and Sugar: Add the margarine (or butter) and caster sugar to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, rub them together until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the mashed bananas. Beat the egg separately and add it to the mixture. Pour in a little milk to achieve a dropping consistency—this means the batter should drop from a spoon without being too runny.
5. Mix Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined, but avoid overmixing, as this can make the loaf dense.
6. Prepare the Loaf Tin: Grease a loaf tin with butter or margarine, or line it with baking parchment.
7. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the top. Place it in the center of the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Loaf: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.