When life gives you overripe bananas…. make Banana Bread!
Contents
banana bread recipe
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.

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
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
Nutrition
Pairing suggestions
These drink pairings provide an enjoyable experience for this bread.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Nut Infusions
- Banana nut bread adds walnuts or pecans for texture.
- Chocolate chip walnut bread combines sweet chips and crunchy walnuts for extra texture.
- Chocolate banana bread mixes cocoa powder or chips for a rich loaf. Double chocolate variations add extra depth.
- 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.
- 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.
- Banana cinnamon swirl bread has a cinnamon-sugar swirl for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Banana bread pudding turns stale bread into a creamy dessert.
- The peanut butter variant blends bananas with peanut butter for richness.