Bake your way through Feel Good February 🍌

February can be a tough month— the weather is gloomy, and motivation is low. But one sure-fire way to boost your mood? Baking something warm, delicious, and comforting!

This easy banana bread recipe is budget-friendly, requires minimal effort, and helps reduce food waste. Instead of throwing away those overripe bananas, turn them into a delicious, sustainable treat. Plus, baking is a great way to de-stress and share something homemade with your flatmates.

🔥 However, whenever you are baking, it’s important to stay fire-safe in the kitchen. Unattended cooking is one of the biggest causes of house fires, so keep an eye on your banana bread while it bakes, and always follow basic fire safety tips (which we’ll include throughout this recipe!).  

Why bake instead of waste? 🗑

Food waste is a huge issue, but banana bread is an easy and delicious fix. Overripe bananas often end up in the bin, but baking them into banana bread is a simple, sustainable solution. Not only do you get a delicious treat, but you’re also making an eco-friendly choice by using ingredients you already have.

Banana bread is also super versatile—you can add whatever mix-ins you like, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or even some peanut butter. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with housemates or bring a feel-good gift to a friend who might need a little pick-me-up.   

The Ultimate Student-Friendly Banana Bread Recipe 🍌

Ingredients:

• 140g softened butter (or margarine for a budget-friendly option)

• 140g caster sugar

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 140g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 very ripe bananas, mashed

Optional Add-Ins:

• 50g chocolate chips (because everything is better with chocolate!)

• 50g chopped nuts like pecans (for extra crunch)

• 1 tbsp peanut butter (for a protein boost)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven & Stay Alert! Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4. Never leave the kitchen while the oven is on—stay nearby so you can check on your banana bread and avoid overheating.

2. Prepare Your Tin Safely Grease a loaf tin with butter or line it with baking paper. Avoid placing tea towels, oven mitts, or anything flammable near the oven while you work.

3. Mix the Butter & Sugar In a bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. If you’re using an electric mixer, ensure cables are away from hot surfaces to prevent fire risks.

4. Add the Eggs Gradually beat in the eggs, mixing well after each addition. If any eggs spill, clean up immediately—greasy or slippery floors can cause accidents while handling hot baking trays.

5. Fold in Dry Ingredients Sift in the flour and baking powder, and gently fold the mixture together.

6. Add the Bananas & Extras Mash the overripe bananas with a fork and stir them into the batter. This is also the time to mix in your chocolate chips, nuts, or peanut butter if you’re using them.

7. Bake the Banana Bread (Set a Timer!) Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Fire Safety Tip: Always set a timer on your phone or oven. Getting distracted with work or scrolling social media can lead to burnt banana bread, smoke alarms going off, or worse—kitchen fires!

8. Cooling & Safe Handling Let the loaf cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Use oven mitts or a thick towel to remove the tin—hot trays can cause burns!

Safety Reminders for Student Bakers:

✅ Never leave the kitchen while cooking or baking

✅ Keep flammable items (tea towels, paper, wooden utensils) away from heat sources

✅ Use an oven mitt when handling hot trays or tins

✅ Set a timer to avoid overcooking and smoke alarm mishaps

✅ Turn off the oven when you’re done baking

✅ Check that your student accommodation has a working smoke alarm

So, grab those overripe bananas, whip up a batch of this Feel-Good February banana bread, and share it with your friends—you never know who might need a little treat!