Jamie Oliver Banana Bread Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread is a deliciously moist and easy-to-make cake that takes simple ingredients and turns them into something special. It’s not just any banana bread; it’s soft, fluffy and packed with flavor. What sets Jamie’s version apart is the balance of sweetness, moisture and texture. He uses ripe bananas to add natural sweetness and a bit of richness, making it less reliant on sugar. The bread is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack or even as a light dessert. It’s one of those recipes that feels homey but still a bit fancy. You know, the kind that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen.

Jamie Oliver Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients Needed

You’ll need just a handful of basic ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s banana bread but the beauty of this recipe is that each one works together perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ripe bananas (around 3 medium): The key to banana bread! The riper, the better. Overripe bananas add that sweet, moist texture that makes the bread so good.
• Butter (100g, melted): Adds richness and flavor to the bread. You could substitute with oil if you prefer but butter gives it that perfect golden crust.
• Light brown sugar (100g): A little sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor. It’s less intense than regular white sugar, giving you a more balanced sweetness.
• Eggs (2 large): They help bind everything together and add moisture.
• Flour (200g self-raising flour): Self-raising flour is crucial because it helps the banana bread rise and gives it that soft, cake-like texture.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): A little extra lift, ensuring the bread rises nicely.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): A lovely warm spice that complements the banana flavor.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A dash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors and adds a little extra depth.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and adds complexity to the flavor.

It’s pretty simple but the bananas really shine as the main ingredient.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment for Jamie’s banana bread, just some basic baking tools. Here’s the rundown:

• Mixing bowls: At least two. one for dry ingredients, one for wet ingredients.
• A 2lb loaf tin: This is where the magic happens. A good loaf tin gives you the right shape and size, so the bread bakes evenly.
• A whisk or electric mixer: You can use a whisk to beat everything by hand but an electric mixer saves time and ensures smooth consistency.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy, especially when dealing with flour and baking powder.
• Cooling rack: It helps the banana bread cool down evenly, preventing it from getting soggy.
• Spoon or spatula: To scrape the batter into the loaf tin and smooth the top.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread

Making Jamie Oliver’s banana bread is a breeze. Here’s how you do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (150°C fan) or 340°F.
2. Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth with a fork or potato masher. You want them to be as smooth as possible but a few small chunks add some texture, so don’t worry about getting it perfect.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together your melted butter, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Once it’s all combined, add the mashed bananas and mix it all together until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix together your self-raising flour, baking powder and ground cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Just stir until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so keep it gentle.
5. Transfer to the loaf tin: Grease your 2lb loaf tin or line it with parchment paper and pour the batter in. Use a spatula to smooth out the top.
6. Bake it: Place the loaf tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 55-60 minutes or until the bread is golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and serve: Let the banana bread cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can slice it up once it’s cool or warm it slightly if you prefer it fresh out of the oven.

What I Learnt

What I learned from making Jamie Oliver’s banana bread is how incredibly forgiving it is. You don’t need to be a perfectionist. The bananas do all the heavy lifting when it comes to flavor and moisture. Also, the recipe doesn’t require any tricky techniques. it’s mostly about mixing and baking. One thing that stood out to me was how important it is to let the bread cool before slicing it. The first time I tried it, I cut into it too soon and it was a bit more crumbly than I wanted. Letting it rest really helps it set and makes for a much better slice.

Another thing I learned is that this banana bread is totally adaptable. You can add things like nuts, chocolate chips or even a little coconut for variation. It’s a great base recipe that you can make your own depending on what you’re in the mood for.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread

Jamie Oliver’s banana bread is already a crowd-pleaser but you can make it your own with a few tweaks! If you want to give it a bit of a twist, here are some ideas:

1. Add a Nutty Touch: Walnuts, pecans or even almonds can bring in some texture and flavor. Toast them lightly before adding them into the batter for a more intense flavor.
2. Spices Galore: While Jamie’s recipe might stick to the basics, don’t hesitate to get creative with spices. A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg or even ground ginger will elevate the bread with a bit of warmth and complexity.
3. Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Fold in some chocolate chips or chunks. Dark chocolate works really well, offering a bittersweet contrast to the sweetness of the banana.
4. Add Some Zing: For a little fresh twist, try a splash of orange juice or zest. The citrusy kick complements the bananas beautifully and brightens the flavor.
5. Use Alternative Flours: Swap regular flour for whole wheat or almond flour for a different texture and flavor. It makes the bread a little denser but adds a nice depth, especially if you’re aiming for a more wholesome loaf.
6. Vegan Option: If you’re vegan or dairy-free, you can replace butter with coconut oil or olive oil and swap eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseeds + 3 tbsp water = one egg).
7. Sweetener Alternatives: For a healthier option, you could replace the sugar with honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar. It’ll add some extra flavor complexity, especially if you use maple syrup.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

After you’ve baked the banana bread and indulged in a slice (or two), you’re going to want to keep it fresh for later! Here’s how to store it:

1. Room Temperature: If you’re planning to eat the banana bread within 2-3 days, just keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep it soft and fresh without drying out.
2. Wrap It Up: For longer storage, wrap your banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents it from drying out. You can even store it in a resealable plastic bag.
3. Freezing for Future Enjoyment: If you want to save the bread for longer, freeze it! Slice the bread first and then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it on the counter for an hour or so.
4. Avoid Refrigeration: The fridge can dry out banana bread. Only refrigerate it if it has cream cheese frosting or any other perishable toppings.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread?

Banana bread is a treat on its own but it’s also amazing with a few sides or toppings! Here’s what I suggest pairing it with:

1. Butter and Jam: A classic! Spread a thin layer of salted butter for richness or add your favorite jam for some sweetness. Strawberry or raspberry jam works wonders but you could also try something a little more exotic like fig jam.
2. Nut Butter: If you want to add some protein, slather your banana bread with peanut butter, almond butter or even hazelnut spread. The savory richness balances out the sweetness of the banana bread.
3. Yogurt and Fruit: For a healthier, more balanced breakfast, serve a slice of banana bread with some plain Greek yogurt and fresh fruit (like berries or sliced bananas). It’s the perfect way to start the day without feeling too guilty.
4. A Cup of Coffee or Tea: There’s something magical about sipping on a warm drink while biting into a soft, sweet slice of banana bread. Coffee, especially with a little cream or a mild herbal tea (like chamomile or earl grey), can really bring out the flavors of the bread.
5. Ice Cream: Feeling indulgent? Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel swirl. The contrast between the warm bread and cold ice cream is divine.
6. Whipped Cream or Mascarpone: For a more decadent touch, a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese on the side will make it feel like dessert at its finest.

FAQs

What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread Recipe Different?

Jamie’s recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients, with an easy method for a moist, flavorful loaf. He adds a touch of cinnamon for extra warmth.

Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread?

Yes, you can! Just wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to eat.

Can I Substitute Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread Recipe?

Definitely! You can swap the butter for olive oil, or use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.