Banana Bread: Tasty and Gluten-free

Banana bread is a classic dessert

When life gives you overripe bananas…. make Banana Bread!

Banana bread is a popular type of sweet bread or cake. It originated in the United States during the Great Depression of the 1930s. It became a solution for overripe bananas. The mushy overripe bananas are easily incorporated into a bread recipe.

Banana bread slices are on the table

The cake is celebrated annually on February 23rd as National Banana Bread Day. Its popularity surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a beloved staple in many households.

I opted for a simpler recipe. Baking should be easy, especially when using old fruit. My homemade bread turned out perfectly. Muscovado sugar adds depth and bananas balance the sweetness. The walnuts gave it a crunchy, nutty texture. Here’s how to make banana bread:

Banana bread is a classic dessert

Banana bread

Classic banana bread is a moist, sweet quick bread. It features ripe mashed bananas, eggs, and flour. The recipe typically includes butter, sugar, and spices like cinnamon.
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Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 268 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 over-ripe bananas mashed
  • 100 g caster sugar
  • 50 g dark muscavado sugar
  • 125 g margarine
  • 200 g plain flour gluten free
  • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 50 ml milk
  • Vanilla essence
  • Dash of mixed spice
  • 25 g walnuts chopped.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 170oC (150oC if fan assisted)
  • Grease and line a loaf tin.
  • Cream the sugar and margarine together in a bowl.
  • Add the mashed bananas, beaten egg, milk and a few drops of vanilla essence. Mix well.
  • Fold in the flour, bicarb and mixed spice, then stir in the walnuts.
  • Pour mixture into the tin and bake for 35-40 mins until golden-brown.
  • Take out of oven and leave for a few mins, then turn onto wire rack to cool.

Notes

Banana bread tends to develop mold after approximately 4-5 days when leaving at room temperature. To keep it fresh, tightly wrap it and place it in the refrigerator to eat within 7-10 days. Freezing can keep it last for 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 268kcalCarbohydrates: 36.2gProtein: 2.66gFat: 12.6gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 10.8mgSugar: 18.1g
Keyword baking, bread, gluten free, vegetarian
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Pairing suggestions

These drink pairings provide an enjoyable experience for this bread.

  1. Sweet Pairings
    • Jams like apricot jam or dark chocolate sauce elevate the bread’s taste profile.
    • Vanilla ice cream pairs well with melted peanut butter.
    • Banana cream custard and chocolate pudding enhance the dessert experience.
    • Fresh fruit salad contrasts with the dense sweetness of banana cake.
    • Chocolate fondue makes a fun and indulgent treat.
    • Peanut or almond butter adds richness and flavor to the bread.
  2. Non-alcoholic drinks
    • Coffee complements the bread, especially when the bread is warm.
    • Herbal teas provide a soothing contrast to the bread’s sweetness.
    • Hot chocolate enhances the experience in colder months.
  3. Alcoholic drinks
    • Banana Bread Cocktail combines banana liqueur, Bailey’s, and Amaretto.
    • Banana Old Fashioned adds nutty complexity from bitters.
    • Canadian Ice Wine provides refreshing acidity.
    • Sauternes enhances the banana flavor with spicy vanilla undertones.
    • Demi-sec Champagne provides contrast to the bread’s moistness.
    • Stouts complement the sweetness of the bread.
    • Coffee stouts further enhance the experience.
    • Saison cuts through the bread’s heaviness. It provides an interesting contrast.
    • Pineau des Charentes harmonizes with the bread.

Variations

There are numerous variations of banana bread to explore.

  1. Nut Infusions
    • Banana nut bread adds walnuts or pecans for texture.
    • Chocolate chip walnut bread combines sweet chips and crunchy walnuts for extra texture.
  2. Chocolate banana bread mixes cocoa powder or chips for a rich loaf. Double chocolate variations add extra depth.
  3. Fruit Additions
    • Pineapple adds moisture and natural sweetness to the recipe
    • Shredded coconut complements the banana flavor.
    • Berries like blueberries or cranberries create extra flavor and color.
    • Grated zucchini makes a moist, veggie-infused loaf.
    • Pumpkin puree and spices create a fall-flavored treat.
    • Zucchini adds moisture and nutritional value.
    • Pumpkin chocolate chip banana bread blends pumpkin puree with banana and chocolate chips.
  4. Dietary Versions
    • Vegan version uses flax eggs, coconut oil, and plant-based options.
    • Gluten-free banana bread uses gluten-free flour for those with sensitivities.
    • Healthy version uses almond flour and Greek yogurt for a lighter, nutritious version.
  5. Banana cinnamon swirl bread has a cinnamon-sugar swirl for added flavor and visual appeal.
  6. Banana bread pudding turns stale bread into a creamy dessert.
  7. The peanut butter variant blends bananas with peanut butter for richness.

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