Adan Kendric Banana bread is a delicious and versatile treat, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. Jamie Oliver’s banana bread recipe is simple, moist, and full of flavor. This classic recipe is a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas, transforming them into a comforting and satisfying loaf.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Uses Overripe Bananas: This recipe is a great way to use bananas that are too ripe for eating on their own.
- Moist and Flavorful: The natural sweetness from the bananas gives the bread a rich flavor and keeps it wonderfully moist.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything you need in your pantry, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Perfect for Any Time of Day: Enjoy this banana bread for breakfast, with your afternoon coffee, or as a light dessert.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even a touch of cinnamon to make it your own.
What is Banana Bread?
Banana bread is a sweet loaf made primarily with mashed ripe bananas. It’s typically moist, dense, and slightly sweet, with a rich banana flavor. It’s often enjoyed plain but can be enhanced with nuts, chocolate, or spices.
Other Jamie Oliver Recipes
Jamie Oliver Banana Bread Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 125g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 200g sugar (brown sugar or a mix of white and brown)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pinch of salt
- 250g plain flour
- Optional: 75g walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Banana Bread
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a standard loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the better the flavor of your bread.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and whisk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread light and tender.
5. Add Optional Mix-Ins
If you’re using walnuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
6. Pour the batter into the Pan
Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake the Banana Bread
Bake the banana bread in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Banana Bread
- With Butter: Spread a slice with butter for a simple yet delicious snack.
- With Cream Cheese: Add a layer of cream cheese for a tangy contrast to the sweet banana flavor.
- With Honey or Jam: Drizzle with honey or spread with jam for extra sweetness.
- With Coffee or Tea: Serve alongside your favorite hot beverage for a perfect afternoon treat.
- With Ice Cream: For dessert, serve the banana bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Banana Bread
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better the flavor. Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense bread.
- Customize It: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to enhance the flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf to check if it’s fully baked. If it comes out clean, your banana bread is ready.
- Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool before slicing. This helps the flavors set and makes slicing easier.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Banana Bread
- Add Cinnamon: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold in chocolate chips for a sweet, indulgent twist.
- Nutty Banana Bread: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Banana and Blueberry Bread: Stir in fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity variation.
- Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver Banana Bread?
- Room Temperature: Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate the banana bread, tightly wrapped, for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for Later: Banana bread freezes well. Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Banana Bread Leftovers?
- Microwave: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, freshly baked texture.
- Toaster: Toast slices in a toaster or toaster oven for a crispy edge.
- Oven Reheat: Reheat the entire loaf or individual slices in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-10 minutes.
- Griddle: Heat slices on a griddle with a little butter for a caramelized exterior.
- Serve Cold: Banana bread is also delicious and served cold, straight from the fridge or at room temperature.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
FAQs
How ripe should bananas be for banana bread?
Bananas should be very ripe with lots of brown spots for the best banana bread. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes, banana bread can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature or reheat it in the oven for a fresh taste.
Why is my banana bread dense?
Banana bread can become dense if you overmix the batter. Stir the ingredients until just combined to avoid activating too much gluten, which can make the bread heavy instead of light and fluffy.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to banana bread?
Yes, you can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips to the banana bread batter. Fold them in gently at the end of mixing for added texture and flavor.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s banana bread is a comforting, moist, and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as a sweet snack, this easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Customize it with your favorite mix-ins or enjoy it plain – either way, it’s delicious!
More Jamie Oliver Recipes
Print
Jamie Oliver Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 49 minute
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-American
Description
Banana bread is a sweet loaf made primarily with mashed ripe bananas. It’s typically moist, dense, and slightly sweet, with a rich banana flavor. It’s often enjoyed plain but can be enhanced with nuts, chocolate, or spices.
Ingredients
-
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
-
- 125g unsalted butter, melted
-
- 2 large eggs
-
- 200g sugar (brown sugar or a mix of white and brown)
-
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
-
- 1 pinch of salt
-
- 250g plain flour
-
- Optional: 75g walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a standard loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the better the flavor of your bread.
Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and whisk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread light and tender.
If you’re using walnuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the banana bread in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
