Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your banana bread bakes evenly and achieves a lovely golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare Your Loaf Pan - Grease your loaf pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper to make removing the bread easier once it's baked.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and table salt.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients - In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together the canola oil (or melted coconut oil or butter), honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and egg until well combined.
Step 5: Incorporate the Bananas - Add the mashed bananas to the wet mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Pour into the Loaf Pan - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 8: Bake - Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve - Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.