Craving a comforting and delicious treat? Look no further than Jamie Oliver’s super-easy banana bread recipe. This classic bake is not only perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon tea, but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it warm, toasted, or at room temperature, and customize it with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits.
Jamie’s recipe makes a generous loaf, perfect for sharing or even baking with kids. He believes that involving children in the kitchen not only creates special memories but also helps them embrace healthy habits for the long run.
This recipe embraces those often-overlooked overripe bananas, giving them a new life as a delicious treat. Simply pop them in the freezer for about an hour to defrost, and they’ll be ready to transform into a moist and flavorful loaf.
Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
* 125g unsalted butter (at room temperature), plus extra for greasing
* Two large free-range eggs
* Four ripe bananas
* Two tablespoons runny honey
* Two tablespoons unsweetened apple juice
* 250g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
* One big pinch of ground cinnamon
* Optional: 50g pecans
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or gas mark 4. Lightly grease a 1-liter loaf pan with butter. A crumpled piece of kitchen paper can be a helpful tool for this step.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with a wooden spoon until smooth. Add the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Don’t worry if the batter appears lumpy at first, it will come together as you continue mixing.
3. Peel three of the bananas and mash them with a fork until you have a mixture of smooth and slightly chunky bits. Gently fold this into the butter and egg mixture.
4. Add the honey and apple juice, and then gently fold in the flour and cinnamon with a spatula, being careful not to overmix the batter.
5. If you’re using pecans, chop them roughly on a cutting board (you can also crush them with a rolling pin) and fold them into the batter.
6. Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf tin. Peel and slice the remaining banana, then arrange the slices on top of the batter.
7. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and cooked through. To check if it’s done, insert a skewer or cocktail stick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean after a few seconds, it’s ready. If there’s batter on it, bake for a few more minutes.
8. Let the loaf cool slightly before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cool, slice and serve your delicious banana bread on a platter. Enjoy it with butter, honey, jam, or even chocolate spread.
Tips for Success:
* For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of honey.
* If you don’t have self-raising flour, use plain flour and add 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
* Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough loaf.
* If you’re using nuts, toast them lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
With Jamie Oliver’s easy banana bread recipe, you’ll be enjoying a delicious and comforting treat in no time. So, grab your overripe bananas and get baking!
