Delia Smith’s Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. This banana bread uses overripe bananas, which provide natural sweetness and a tender crumb. With a hint of warm spice and the option to add nuts or chocolate chips, this banana bread recipe is a delicious treat that’s hard to resist.
What Is Delia Smith Banana Bread?
Delia Smith’s Banana Bread is a classic, moist quick bread made with ripe bananas, which add both flavor and moisture. The recipe is straightforward, using pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, with optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. Perfectly soft and deliciously spiced, this banana bread is an ideal way to use up overripe bananas.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Perfectly Moist and Tender – The bananas keep the loaf soft and moist.
- Great Way to Use Overripe Bananas – A tasty solution for bananas past their prime.
- Easy and Quick to Make – No mixer needed; just a few simple steps.
- Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Banana Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious banana bread:
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups) – Provides structure to the bread.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Helps the bread rise.
- Baking Soda (½ tsp) – Adds lift and tenderness.
- Salt (a pinch) – Enhances the flavors.
- Butter (½ cup, melted and slightly cooled) – Adds richness and moisture.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Sweetens the bread.
- Egg (1 large) – Adds structure and binds ingredients.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the flavor.
- Ripe Bananas (3 medium, mashed) – Adds moisture and natural sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp, optional) – Adds a hint of warmth.
- Optional Add-Ins: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips (½ cup) for added flavor and texture.
Instructions to Make Delia Smith Banana Bread
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper, or grease it lightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If using, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Pour into Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check for doneness at 50 minutes, and cover the top loosely with foil if it’s browning too quickly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
What Goes Well with Delia Smith Banana Bread
- Butter or Cream Cheese – Adds richness when spread on a warm slice.
- Honey or Maple Syrup – Drizzle for extra sweetness.
- Fresh Berries – Adds a fruity contrast to the bread.
- Greek Yogurt – A healthy, creamy pairing.
- Coffee or Tea – Complements the flavors of the banana bread perfectly.
- Whipped Cream – Adds a light, creamy touch for a dessert-like experience.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Banana Bread
- Use Overripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be.
- Do Not Overmix – Overmixing can make the bread dense; mix until just combined.
- Adjust Sweetness – If your bananas are very ripe, you can reduce the sugar slightly.
- Line the Pan – Use parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking.
- Add a Sprinkle of Cinnamon Sugar – Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for extra flavor and a slight crunch.
Easy Variations of Delia Smith Banana Bread
- Banana Nut Bread – Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips for added sweetness.
- Banana and Blueberry Bread – Add fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.
- Spiced Banana Bread – Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
- Coconut Banana Bread – Add ¼ cup shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
- Whole Wheat Banana Bread – Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Banana Bread
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for Longer Storage – Store in the fridge for up to 1 week, bringing to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze for Future Use – Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Best Practices to Reheat Delia Smith Banana Bread
- Microwave – Heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds to enjoy warm.
- Oven Method – Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes for a freshly baked feel.
How Can I Make Delia Smith Banana Bread Healthier?
- Reduce Sugar – Use less sugar, or try a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Add Whole Grains – Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
- Use Coconut Oil – Substitute melted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Add Nuts or Seeds – Fold in flaxseed or chia seeds for added nutrients.
- Use Greek Yogurt – Replace some of the butter with Greek yogurt to reduce fat content and add protein.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
How can I make banana bread more moist?
To make banana bread more moist, use very ripe bananas as they add extra moisture. Adding a touch of Greek yogurt, sour cream, or an extra tablespoon of melted butter can also increase the bread’s tenderness. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the loaf.
Can I freeze Delia Smith’s banana bread?
Yes, banana bread freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
Why is my banana bread dense and not fluffy?
Dense banana bread is often caused by overmixing the batter, which activates the gluten and makes the bread tough. Mix until just combined, and ensure that your baking soda and baking powder are fresh, as they help the bread rise and become fluffy.
Can I add other ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips to this banana bread?
Absolutely! You can add up to ½ cup of mix-ins such as chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter. Fold them in gently at the end of mixing for extra flavor and texture without affecting the bread’s consistency.
Final Words
Delia Smith’s Banana Bread is a timeless recipe that brings comfort and flavor to any occasion. With its soft texture, rich banana taste, and customizable ingredients, this banana bread is a must-try for banana lovers and bakers alike. Simple, satisfying, and versatile, it’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Enjoy the warmth and aroma of homemade banana bread with this easy recipe!
More By British Baking Recipes
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Delia Smith Banana Bread
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 50
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delia Smith’s Banana Bread is a classic, moist quick bread made with ripe bananas, which add both flavor and moisture. The recipe is straightforward, using pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, with optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. Perfectly soft and deliciously spiced, this banana bread is an ideal way to use up overripe bananas.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious banana bread:
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups) – Provides structure to the bread.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Helps the bread rise.
- Baking Soda (½ tsp) – Adds lift and tenderness.
- Salt (a pinch) – Enhances the flavors.
- Butter (½ cup, melted and slightly cooled) – Adds richness and moisture.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Sweetens the bread.
- Egg (1 large) – Adds structure and binds ingredients.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the flavor.
- Ripe Bananas (3 medium, mashed) – Adds moisture and natural sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp, optional) – Adds a hint of warmth.
- Optional Add-Ins: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips (½ cup) for added flavor and texture.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper, or grease it lightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If using, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Pour into Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check for doneness at 50 minutes, and cover the top loosely with foil if it’s browning too quickly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
