Are you craving a comforting, delicious treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this fantastic banana bread recipe, inspired by the culinary genius of Jamie Oliver. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend baking projects, or simply satisfying that sudden urge for something warm and sweet. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack – basically, any time of day! This recipe delivers moist, flavorful banana bread that's packed with the goodness of ripe bananas and a hint of warming spice. Get ready to experience homemade happiness!
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the better!)
- 100g caster sugar (or less, depending on banana sweetness)
- 100ml vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 200g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 100g chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Bananas: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf tin. Mash your bananas thoroughly in a large bowl – the smoother, the better the texture of your bread.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the sugar, oil, and eggs to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until well combined. This creates a lovely, moist base for your banana bread.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, gently folding them in until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
Step 4: Add Nuts (Optional): If using, gently fold in your chopped nuts. This adds a wonderful crunch and extra flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy: Let the banana bread cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve – enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Brown spots are your friends!
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a skewer or toothpick to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Cool completely before slicing: This allows the bread to set and prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 100g of chocolate chips to the batter along with the nuts.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Increase the cinnamon and nutmeg, and add a pinch of ginger or cloves for a warmer, spicier flavor.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Top the cooled banana bread with a delicious cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 Fat: Around 10-15g Carbohydrates: Around 35-40g Protein: Around 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy banana bread recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels, it offers a delicious and satisfying treat without excessive effort. Enjoy!