The Best Banana Bread Recipe: Moist, Sweet & So Simple

Warm, comforting banana bread has been my ultimate weekend comfort companion since childhood.

Ripe bananas waiting on the kitchen counter whisper sweet promises of deliciousness.

Soft, moist textures and rich aromas promise a delightful treat that everyone adores.

Families gather around with anticipation when this classic recipe emerges from the oven.

Each slice carries memories of lazy weekend mornings and shared conversations.

Crumbs scattered across plates tell stories of pure, simple joy.

You’ll want to bake this recipe right now and experience pure happiness.

Delia Smith Banana Bread Questions Answered

• Why do I need to mash bananas thoroughly?

Mashing bananas completely ensures an even, smooth texture and helps distribute banana flavor throughout the bread, preventing lumpy or uneven bites.

• Can I use unripe bananas for this recipe?

No, ripe or overripe bananas are best because they’re sweeter, softer, and provide more moisture, which creates a better banana bread texture and flavor.

• How do I know if my banana bread is fully baked?

Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean without wet batter, your banana bread is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly cracked.

• What happens if I overmix the batter?

Overmixing can develop too much gluten, making the banana bread tough and dense instead of soft and tender. Fold ingredients gently until just combined.

Why Delia Smith Banana Bread Is Always A Good Idea

• Craft with Minimal Ingredients: Enjoy a delightful banana bread recipe using common pantry staples that most home cooks already have on hand.
• Beginner Baker Friendly: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe offers simple steps and straightforward techniques that guarantee a delicious result every time.
• Versatile Comfort Treat: Transform overripe bananas into a moist, fragrant bread that works wonderfully as a breakfast, snack, or dessert for any gathering or mood.
• Quick Prep, Big Reward: Minimal mixing and basic baking skills mean you can go from raw ingredients to a golden, aromatic loaf with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Delia Smith Banana Bread Ingredient List

• Bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• Butter: Creates a rich and tender texture in the banana bread.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the bread's caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the bread.
• Flour: Forms the base of the bread and gives it substance.

• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the bananas.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the banana bread.

• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter consistency.

How To Bake Delia Smith Banana Bread Simply

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat your oven to 350F. Grab a loaf pan and generously coat the inside with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash Bananas Into Creamy Goodness

Take ripe bananas and transform them into a smooth, lump-free mixture using a fork or potato masher. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

Step 3: Create Fluffy Butter Mixture

In a separate mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Use an electric mixer for the smoothest consistency.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This helps create a uniform, silky batter that will make your banana bread super moist.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Add Liquid Magic

Pour in milk and stir until the batter just comes together. Stop mixing as soon as everything is incorporated to keep the bread tender.

Step 7: Fill Loaf Pan

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a skewer – it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Step 9: Cool And Serve

Let the banana bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying.

Tips That Help With Delia Smith Banana Bread

• Boost Banana Flavor: Use overripe, spotted bananas for deeper, sweeter taste and more intense banana essence.
• Prevent Sinking Nuts: Toss chopped walnuts or pecans in flour before adding to batter to keep them evenly distributed throughout the bread.
• Check Moisture Level: Test doneness with a skewer or toothpick – if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the bread is perfectly baked.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months for a quick treat anytime.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a lactose-free version that maintains the bread's soft texture.

Ways To Switch Up Delia Smith Banana Bread

• Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Banana Bread: Swap eggs with mashed flaxseed, use plant-based butter, and dairy-free milk.
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold in dark chocolate chips or chunks before baking for extra richness.
• Nutty Banana Bread: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch and extra protein.

What Goes Well With Delia Smith Banana Bread

• Enhance Classic Banana Bread with Perfect Pairings
• Brew Rich Coffee Match: Dark roast or espresso cuts through banana bread's sweetness, creating a bold flavor contrast that elevates each bite with robust caffeine intensity.
• Spread Creamy Accompaniment: Whipped cream cheese or honey butter adds luxurious smoothness, complementing the bread's dense texture and enhancing its warm cinnamon undertones.
• Select Tangy Wine Partner: Crisp Riesling or Moscato brings light, fruity notes that balance the banana bread's richness, creating a delightful dessert experience with subtle wine complexity.
• Serve Fresh Berry Accent: Scattered fresh raspberries or blueberries introduce bright, tart elements that refresh the palate and provide color contrast against the golden bread's warm tone.

How To Store Delia Smith Banana Bread Properly

• Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap the entire banana bread completely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Place in a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut banana bread into individual slices, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. Reheat individual slices directly from frozen in a toaster oven or microwave for quick serving.

Banana Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 65-75 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet banana bread emerges as a comforting classic that blends ripe bananas with warm spices. Moist crumb and rich flavors invite bakers to savor a slice of homemade goodness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 225 grams (8 ounces) ripe bananas
• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 225 grams (8 ounces) self-raising flour

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a loaf tin with grease and parchment paper.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, transform ripe bananas into a silky, uniform purée using a fork or potato masher.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip butter and sugar together until light and airy, creating a creamy texture.
4. Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure smooth integration.
5. Gently sift dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt – over the wet mixture, folding carefully to maintain airiness.
6. Introduce milk to the batter, stirring minimally until ingredients are just combined, avoiding overmixing.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf tin, using a spatula to create an even surface.
8. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a skewer that should emerge clean when removed.
9. Allow the bread to rest in the tin for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to complete cooling and set the structure.

Notes

• Use overripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor profile.
• Replace butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free alternative that maintains moisture.
• Experiment with adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and texture without compromising the bread’s soft interior.
• Reduce sugar content by using ripe bananas and adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg