Banana Loaf

Banana bread has always been one of my favourites, however Jack was sure he didn’t like it. When everyone started making it during the first COVID lockdown, he said he would be willing to try it again and now I have to make it every fortnight! I love this recipe as it’s so quick and easy to combine and has always produced perfect results.

What you will need

• 2lb loaf tin

• Non-stick baking paper or loaf tin liner

Ingredients

• 100g Softened butter

• 175g Caster sugar

• 2 Large eggs

• 2 Ripe Bananas, mashed (the riper the better)

• 225g Self raising flour

• 1 Level tsp baking powder

• 2 Tbsp Milk

Method

Step 1 – Lightly grease the loaf tin and line with non-stick baking paper or loaf tin liners work well too. Then preheat the oven to 180°C/ Fan 160°C/ Gas 4.

Step 2 – Measure all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and beat for about 2 minutes, scraping the sides down with a spatula about halfway through, until completely combined. I suggest using an electric beater for this. The batter will look thick and pale in colour.

Step 3 – Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the surface.

Step 4 – Bake for roughly 1 hour, until the loaf has risen and is golden brown. Using a skewer or knife, insert into the centre of the loaf and it should come out clean. Leave to cool in the tin before removing and place on a cooling rack to cool completely.

If you feel like making this slightly naughtier for a dessert, we like to microwave a thick slice for 30 seconds, and then add a little bit of chocolate spread before microwaving a further 30 seconds. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy.

We have also tried using this recipe to make Banana Muffins as well which turned out lovely. The mixture made 12 muffins which took around 22 minutes to cook in my fan oven at 160°C, however I would recommend checking at about 20 minutes, using the same skewer technique as the loaf.

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Let us know any additions you like to add to your banana loafs (eg chocolate chips) in the comments below, and show us some of your photos by tagging @todays.menu.blog on Instagram.

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This Recipe was inspired by Mary Berry’s Banana Loaf from ‘100 Cakes and Bakes’.