Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a bread loaf pan (9.25 long x 5.25 wide x 2.75 deep). Lightly roast walnuts in a skillet, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Coarsely chop and cool to room temperature.

In a mixing bowl, cream together 8 tablespoon of softened butter and ¾ cup of sugar (or honey if using honey).

Mash bananas with a fork until the consistency of chunky applesauce and add them to the batter along with 2 eggs, mixing until blended.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of salt, then add to batter.

Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix in chopped walnuts and raisins. Pour into the prepared loaf pan. Bake at 350˚F for 55-60 min or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let banana bread rest for 10 min before transferring to a wire rack to cool.