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Our six best banana bread recipes

Your ultimate guide to this classic loaf.
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Whether you like it for morning tea or prefer it with a cuppa for afternoon tea, you can’t get more classic than a good banana bread recipe. Here, we’ve rounded up six of the best banana bread recipes.  

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Banana bread’s delicious taste is attributed to the natural sweetness and flavour of ripe bananas. The bananas provide a moist and tender texture, while their sweetness enhances the overall taste of the bread. The addition of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in some recipes also contributes to this oh-so-yum loaf.

Ready to get baking? Dive in!

Our best banana bread recipes

1. Upside-down banana loaf

upside down banana bread

Caramelised bananas in the bottom of the loaf tin add a sweet and juicy topping when your loaf is turned out. Get the upside-down banana loaf recipe.

2. Gluten-free banana bread

gluten-free banana bread

Every day is a perfect day for banana bread – and this one contains no gluten. Perfect for celiacs. Get the gluten-free banana bread recipe.

3. Vegan banana bread

vegan banana bread

The classic recipe with a vegan twist. Afternoon tea has never looked better. Get the vegan banana bread recipe.

4. Banana bread with miso maple butter

Banana bread with miso maple butter

Utterly delicious – you’ll love the flavour sensation of miso maple butter. Get the banana bread with miso maple butter recipe.

5. Healthy banana bread

Healthy banana bread

Baking doesn’t have to be bad for you, and healthy baking doesn’t have to taste, or look, terrible. Get the healthy banana bread recipe.

6. Chocolate-chickpea banana bread

chicpea banana bread

Don’t let the chickpeas put you off – they make a delicious addition! Get the chocolate-chickpea banana bread recipe.

Is banana bread healthy or unhealthy?

Banana bread can vary in its healthiness depending on the recipe and ingredients used. While it contains bananas, which are a good source of vitamins and fiber, the addition of sugar, butter, and other high-calorie ingredients can make it less healthy. Opting for recipes with healthier substitutes and using whole wheat flour can make banana bread a healthier option.

History of banana bread

Banana bread gained in popularity in the US during The Great Depression. Food became scarce, so being able to make ingredients, like over ripe bananas, last longer was essential. Around the same time, baking powder was commercialised and became more readily available. The combination of the two things, helped banana bread become the popular recipe that it is today.

Tips for making banana bread

  • Make sure your bananas are really overripe.
  • Mash bananas in a separate bowl before adding to the rest of the mixture.
  • Don’t overmix your batter.
  • If the top starts to brown before the loaf is cooked, cover with foil and carry on. 

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The best loaf pans and kitchen items for making banana bread

kitchen aid stand mixer for making banana bread

1. 4.8L Artisan Stand Mixer, $879, Kitchen Aid

​​Whether baking nine dozen chocolate chip cookies or preparing a feast for Taco Tuesday, this durable mixer with ten speeds is your culinary companion for every occasion.

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silicone banana bread loaf trays

2. Three-piece silicone loaf pan, $26.98, Amazon

Crafted from high-quality food-grade silicone, these rectangular moulds are safe, durable but also reusable and flexible.

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banana bread cake tin

3. Herogo Loaf Tin, set of 2, $39.61, Amazon

Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, these non-toxic and rust-free tins provide even heat distribution, ensuring your creations are perfectly baked.

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