Easy Jamie Oliver Banana Bread Recipe: Perfect Morning Treat

Jamie Oliver’s banana bread transforms overripe, mushy fruit into a delectable kitchen masterpiece that speaks to comfort and nostalgia.

Soft, moist, and wonderfully fragrant, this classic baked delight captures the essence of homemade goodness in every slice.

Sweet and wholesome ingredients blend together, creating a sensory experience that transports you to cozy weekend mornings.

The recipe balances traditional baking techniques with modern culinary creativity, making it accessible for novice and experienced bakers.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in developing rich, complex flavors that dance across your palate.

Warm spices and natural sweetness elevate this simple bread beyond an ordinary quick breakfast or afternoon snack.

Rich, tender crumb and subtle caramelized notes promise a memorable culinary adventure that celebrates simple ingredients transformed with care: dive in and savor every moment.

Why Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread Is a Comfort Classic

• Savor Homemade Comfort: This banana bread transforms simple ingredients into a warm, inviting treat that feels like a hug from your kitchen. Every slice delivers pure, nostalgic comfort with minimal effort.
• Quick and Foolproof Baking: Jamie Oliver's recipe makes baking accessible for everyone, even novice cooks. With straightforward steps and forgiving techniques, you'll confidently create a delicious loaf without stress or complicated skills.
• Texture Play and Flavor Harmony: Chunks of bananas create delightful pockets of moisture, while pecans add satisfying crunch. The combination of honey, cinnamon, and ripe bananas produces a deeply complex taste profile that dances between sweet and subtly spiced.
• Versatile Serving Possibilities: Whether enjoyed as a breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or dessert, this banana bread adapts beautifully. Top it with honey, spread some butter, or enjoy it plain – each variation offers a delicious experience that suits any mood or occasion.

Ingredients for Moist Banana Bread

Main Ingredients:

Bananas: Ripe, sweet bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. Choose bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor.

Flour: The structural base of the banana bread. All-purpose flour ensures a tender and consistent texture.

Eggs: Binding agent that helps create structure and richness in the bread. Fresh eggs work best.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy base. Soft, room temperature butter blends easily.

Apple Juice: Provides additional moisture and subtle fruity undertone. Fresh or store-bought juice works well.

Honey: Natural sweetener that enhances flavor and helps with browning. Choose pure, high-quality honey.

Flavor Enhancers:

Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and complementary flavor to banana bread. Ground cinnamon is recommended.

Pecans: Optional nutty ingredient that brings crunch and earthy flavor. Toast lightly for enhanced taste.

How to Bake Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Set your oven to 180°C/350°F for perfect baking temperature.

Step 2: Prepare The Loaf Tin

Grease a 1-liter loaf tin using a folded dish towel, coating both inside and outside with a thin butter layer to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cream The Butter

In a large mixing bowl, use a wooden spoon to mash soft butter until it becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Mix Eggs And Butter

Combine eggs with the creamy butter, beating until the mixture looks uniform. Don’t worry if it appears lumpy initially – it will come together.

Step 5: Incorporate Bananas

Peel and mash 3 ripe bananas using a fork, creating a blend of smooth and chunky textures. Mix thoroughly into the butter-egg mixture.

Step 6: Add Liquid Ingredients

Whisk in apple juice and honey until well combined.

Step 7: Blend Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in cinnamon and flour using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 8: Prepare Pecans

Chop pecans (if using) on a chopping board using a cross-chop method or crush with a rolling pin.

Step 9: Fold In Pecans

Carefully mix chopped pecans into the banana bread batter.

Step 10: Transfer To Tin

Spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf tin. Slice an extra banana and gently place pieces on top of the batter.

Step 11: Bake The Bread

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a cocktail stick into the center – it should come out clean when bread is fully cooked.

Step 12: Cool And Serve

Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve with your favorite spread like honey, jam, butter, or chocolate.

Tips for a Soft and Flavorful Banana Bread

• Freeze Ripe Bananas: Salvage overripe bananas by storing them in the freezer until you're ready to bake, preventing unnecessary food waste.
• Customize Mix-Ins: Replace pecans with pantry staples like chopped peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for a personalized twist.
• Quick Thaw Technique: Frozen bananas typically defrost within an hour, becoming soft and ready for mashing into your banana bread batter.
• Texture Variety: Experiment with different nuts and add-ins to create unique flavor profiles and exciting crunch in every slice.
• Budget-Friendly Baking: Repurpose ingredients you already have at home, making this recipe adaptable and economical for any home baker.

Store Banana Bread to Keep It Fresh

• Freezer Method: Slice banana bread before freezing for convenient single-serving portions. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Label with the date to track freshness, ensuring maximum flavor preservation for up to 3 months.
• Refrigeration Method: Store banana bread in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent drying. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess. Consume within 5-7 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Counter Storage Method: Cover banana bread loosely with a clean kitchen towel to allow slight air circulation. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Consume within 2-3 days for best quality, checking for any signs of spoilage before serving.

Delicious Variations on Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread

• Chocolate Chip Banana Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips into the batter before baking, creating a rich, decadent version that adds extra sweetness and texture to the classic banana bread.
• Nutty Whole Wheat Banana Loaf: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and add a mix of chopped walnuts and almonds for a heartier, more nutritious bread with deeper, nuttier flavors.
• Tropical Coconut Banana Bread: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut and replace apple juice with coconut milk for a tropical-inspired version that brings a subtle island flair to the traditional recipe, adding complexity and exotic notes.
• Spiced Banana Bread with Rum Essence: Incorporate a splash of dark rum and increase the cinnamon, then add a pinch of nutmeg and ground ginger to create a warmly spiced bread that feels like a cozy winter treat.

Grand Finale: Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread

Jamie Oliver’s banana bread emerges as more than mere sustenance – it’s culinary poetry crafted with passion and precision.

Home kitchens worldwide will buzz with excitement after discovering this recipe’s magical simplicity.

Banana lovers can anticipate a sensory journey through layers of comforting flavors and nostalgic aromas.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary experiences.

Warm slices promise connections between generations and cherished memories.

Bakers discovering this recipe will spark delightful conversations: share your golden-brown creation, tag fellow enthusiasts, and spread deliciousness across social networks – each slice tells a delectable story waiting to be celebrated.

Jamie Oliver Banana Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Jamie Oliver’s classic banana bread brings comfort and warmth to any kitchen. Moist crumb and rich banana flavor make this simple recipe a delightful treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 250 g (8.8 ounces) self-raising flour
• 4 ripe bananas
• 2 large eggs
• 125 g (4.4 ounces) unsalted butter

Sweeteners and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons runny honey
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened apple juice

Spices and Optional Add-ins:

• 1 big pinch of ground cinnamon
• 50 g (1.8 ounces) pecans, optional
• Unsalted butter (extra, for greasing)
• Self-raising flour (extra, for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), creating an ideal baking environment for the banana bread.
2. Generously grease a 1-liter (33.8 fluid ounces) loaf pan with softened butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream the butter until it reaches a smooth, velvety consistency using a wooden spoon.
4. Whisk the eggs into the creamed butter, blending thoroughly until the mixture becomes uniform, even if it initially appears slightly curdled.
5. Thoroughly mash three ripe bananas, creating a blend of smooth puree with some delightful chunky bits for added texture.
6. Pour in the apple juice and honey, stirring to integrate the liquid ingredients completely into the banana mixture.
7. Gently fold the cinnamon and flour into the wet ingredients, using a spatula and maintaining a light touch to prevent overmixing.
8. Prepare the pecans by chopping them finely on a cutting board, using a cross-chop technique to create uniform pieces.
9. Fold the chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
10. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
11. Artfully arrange thin banana slices on top of the batter for a decorative and flavorful finish.
12. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, monitoring closely for optimal doneness.
13. Test the bread’s readiness by inserting a cocktail stick or skewer into the center; it should emerge clean or with minimal, slightly moist crumbs.
14. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack.
15. Once completely cooled, slice the bread and serve with your preferred spread, such as honey, jam, butter, or chocolate spread.

Notes

• Overripe bananas transform into baking gold, saving you money and reducing food waste with minimal effort.
• Freezing those soft, brown-spotted bananas ensures you’ll always have a secret ingredient ready for spontaneous baking adventures.
• Nuts and mix-ins become your playground for creativity, allowing personalized twists on the classic recipe with whatever you discover in your pantry.
• Flexible ingredient swaps like chopped walnuts, hazelnuts, or surprise additions such as chocolate chips can elevate this basic recipe into something uniquely yours.
• Pantry raid moments become delicious opportunities when you embrace spontaneous baking with whatever ingredients are already waiting to be used.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 194 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 34 mg