I remember the first time I baked banana bread. It was a rainy afternoon, and I had a bunch of overripe bananas sitting on the counter. I’d always heard banana bread was an easy thing to bake, but it wasn’t until I gave it a try that I realized just how comforting and simple it is. The smell of it baking filled the whole house, and before I knew it, I was hooked. Every time I have those overly ripe bananas, it feels like an excuse to bake and create something that fills the room with warmth and sweetness.
One of my go-to recipes over the years has been Jamie Oliver’s banana bread. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it combines simplicity with a touch of expert flair. Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone who just wants to fill the kitchen with a delicious aroma, this recipe always delivers.
Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s banana bread is one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together, even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen. There’s no complicated process here-just good, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You don’t need fancy equipment, and there’s nothing more satisfying than pulling a loaf of golden, perfectly risen banana bread from the oven.
What I love about Jamie’s version is how he balances texture, flavor, and richness without making it overly sweet. It’s a great treat for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a dessert. Plus, it’s the type of recipe that allows you to experiment with ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need for Jamie Oliver’s banana bread. Simple but delicious:
- Bananas (about 3-4 ripe ones) – The more overripe, the better! They’ll add sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- Butter (100g) – This brings richness and a tender crumb to the loaf.
- Brown sugar (150g) – It adds sweetness, but also a slight molasses flavor that’s key in banana bread.
- Eggs (2 large) – These help bind everything together and give the loaf a soft texture.
- Self-raising flour (225g) – It makes the bread rise perfectly without needing yeast or baking powder.
- Baking soda (1 tsp) – A touch of baking soda enhances the rise and gives that slightly chewy texture we all love in banana bread.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp) – This adds warmth and an extra layer of flavor that complements the bananas perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Just a dash adds a subtle richness to the overall flavor.
- Salt (a pinch) – Balances the sweetness of the bananas and sugar.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread
Baking this banana bread is an absolute breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making it:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan (about 2lb size) with butter or line it with baking paper.
- Mash the bananas: Peel the bananas and mash them up with a fork until smooth. You can leave a few chunks if you like a bit of texture.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until creamy and light.
- Add the eggs: Crack the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture and beat them in until well combined.
- Stir in the mashed bananas: Add the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until everything is nicely incorporated.
- Fold in the dry ingredients: Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently until just combined-be careful not to overmix.
- Pour into the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool down: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Understanding the science behind the ingredients is a fun part of baking. Here’s a breakdown of why each element works its magic:
- Bananas: Bananas are the star here, providing both moisture and sweetness. The natural sugars in ripe bananas caramelize during baking, creating a rich flavor. Their high moisture content also makes banana bread delightfully soft.
- Butter: Butter not only adds a rich flavor but also contributes to the bread’s tenderness. The fat in butter helps coat the flour, inhibiting gluten development, which results in a soft texture.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds a deep, slightly earthy sweetness. This also contributes to the loaf’s moisture, giving it a beautiful density without being too heavy.
- Self-Raising Flour: This flour already contains baking powder, making it the perfect choice for a fluffy, well-risen loaf without needing additional leavening agents.
- Baking Soda: This ingredient reacts with the acidity of the bananas, helping the bread rise and contributing to that perfect, slightly chewy texture.
Expert Tips
If you’re aiming for banana bread perfection, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:
- Overripe bananas are key: The riper the banana, the more flavor it’ll bring. Don’t be afraid of brown, mushy bananas. They’re perfect for this recipe.
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, stir just enough to combine. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Test for doneness: Every oven is different. Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark by inserting a skewer. If it comes out clean, your banana bread is done.
- Cool before slicing: Let the loaf cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. It helps it firm up and reduces the chances of it falling apart.
Recipe Variations
This banana bread recipe is pretty versatile. If you want to shake things up, here are some fun twists you can try:
- Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Chocolate chips: Throw in a handful of dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Coconut: Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
- Spices: Add ground ginger or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor. A pinch of ground cloves could also work wonders.
Final Words
Banana bread is more than just a way to use up old bananas-it’s a comforting, simple bake that brings joy to any day. Jamie Oliver’s recipe is one I keep coming back to because it always delivers. With just a few ingredients, you can make a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a dessert.
FAQs
Can I Use Ripe Bananas For Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread?
Yes, ripe bananas work best for this recipe. They add more sweetness and moisture.
Do I Need To Use Butter For This Banana Bread?
Jamie’s recipe uses butter to add richness, but you could swap it for oil or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
How Long Should I Bake The Banana Bread?
Bake the banana bread for around 1 hour at 170°C (150°C fan) or until a skewer comes out clean.