Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Liberally coat with softened butter or canola oil a 9 x 5 loaf pan. Dust with flour.
Mix all dry ingredients (flour through salt) in a large mixing bowl. Be certain to carefully measure the flour. Whisk in the dry oatmeal. In a separate smaller microwave safe bowl, place the bananas. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the bananas render liquid. Let sit for 2-3 minutes. Mash the bananas in their liquid until you have 1 cup of puree. Add the buttermilk, oil, vanilla paste and eggs to the bananas
Fold banana mixture into flour and oats until just combined. Do NOT over mix. Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pans.
Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a knife or toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. Let loaf cool on a wire rack about 20 minutes before serving.
You can place a slice of banana on top of the loaf (see photo) just before baking and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of sugar to help caramelize the fruit.
