Step 1

Heat a fan forced oven to 170C/330F.

Step 2

Line a 12-hole muffin tin with muffin cases.

Step 3

Sift the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and caster sugar with a big pinch of salt (omit the salt if using salted butter) into a large bowl.

Step 4

Mash the bananas in a separate bowl, then add the melted butter, vanilla extract, eggs and buttermilk. Whisk until the eggs are all mixed in and it’s nicely combined.

Step 5

Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour the banana mixture in.

Step 6

Lightly mix all together with a fork until all ingredients are just combined. Try not to mix too much or the texture will be more dense.

Step 7

If using nuts, stir these through last.

Step 8

Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin cases.

Step 9

Check the muffins after 20 minutes. They should be nicely browned on top and the cases should be pulling away from the sides of the tin.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.