*PRO TIP: The optional step is about the look of the bread. The top of banana bread cracks when it bakes.The bench scraper method allows you to create a nice, straight line. You don't need this step but it looks cleaner. Without the bench scraper you get a more rustic looking bread with a crooked crack.
*Allow bread to cool until you can comfortably touch the pan. At this point, remove bread from pan and set on cooling rack. If you leave the bread in the pan to cool completely, condensation forms in the bottom of the pan and the bread gets soggy.
*Don't toss those brown bananas! Overripe bananas are softer and sweeter. Why? Because as the banana ripens the starch in the fruit reduces and the sugar rises. This just adds more deliciousness to your banana bread.
*Banana bread freezes beautifully.