Ripe bananas are KEY to baking delicious banana bread. Using non-ripe bananas won't work well because they won't mash well and they won't be as sweet. Here are a couple tips for ripening bananas fast so you can get to making your banana bread:u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eu003cstrongu003eu003cemu003e1. Store in a cool, dark placeu003c/emu003eu003c/strongu003e. Do this if you have one or two days before you're planning to make your bread. I throw mine in a paper bag and put in the pantry.u003cbr/u003eu003cstrongu003eu003cemu003e2. Pop into the microwave.u003c/emu003eu003c/strongu003e Pierce the banana with a fork a few times and microwave it for 30 seconds at a time until you get it just slightly soft.u003cbr/u003eu003cstrongu003eu003cemu003e3.u003c/emu003eu003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eu003cemu003eWarm in the ovenu003c/emu003eu003c/strongu003e. Pop them in the oven at 350 degrees with their peels on for 15-20 minutes.