The Nigel Slater Banana Bread is a timeless classic, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a moist, tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast, tea, or dessert, this banana bread is quick to prepare and uses simple pantry ingredients. True to Nigel Slater’s approach, this recipe focuses on rich flavors and a fuss-free method to achieve bakery-quality results at home.
What is Nigel Slater Banana Bread?
Nigel Slater’s banana bread is a moist and flavorful loaf made with ripe bananas, butter, sugar, and flour. Enhanced with hints of vanilla or optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, it’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed plain or with your favorite toppings.
Other Popular Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Perfect for ripe bananas: A delicious way to avoid food waste.
- Moist and tender: A soft crumb that stays fresh for days.
- Simple and quick: Easy to prepare with minimal effort.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate.
- Crowd-pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients Needed to Make Nigel Slater Banana Bread
- Ripe bananas (3 large): Mashed, for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Butter (125g, softened): Adds richness and flavor.
- Caster sugar (150g): Sweetens the bread.
- Eggs (2, large): To bind the batter.
- Plain flour (200g): The base of the bread.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the bread rise.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth.
- Optional add-ins: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: For combining the ingredients.
- Loaf tin (900g): For baking the banana bread.
- Parchment paper: To line the tin for easy removal.
- Spatula and whisk: For mixing the batter.
Instructions to Make Nigel Slater Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease the loaf tin and line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash the bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth but slightly lumpy for texture.
Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Combine wet ingredients
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 5: Add dry ingredients
- Sift the plain flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- If using add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
Step 6: Pour into the loaf tin
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake the banana bread
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50–55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and serve
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
What Goes Well With Nigel Slater Banana Bread
- Butter: Spread on warm slices for a classic pairing.
- Honey or syrup: Drizzle for added sweetness.
- Cream cheese: A tangy and creamy topping.
- Fresh fruit: Serve with berries for a refreshing touch.
- Hot drinks: Perfect with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Nigel Slater Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread.
- Don’t overmix the batter: This keeps the bread light and tender.
- Customize with add-ins: Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon enhance the flavor.
- Test for doneness: Insert a skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Cool completely before slicing: This helps the bread set and makes slicing easier.
Easy Variations of Nigel Slater Banana Bread
- Chocolate banana bread: Add cocoa powder to the batter or swirl in melted chocolate.
- Nutty twist: Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch.
- Spiced bread: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Berry banana bread: Mix in fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity variation.
- Whole wheat option: Replace half the plain flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Best Practices to Store Nigel Slater Banana Bread
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Extend freshness by storing in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for later: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or microwave for 15 seconds before serving.
Nutrition Value (per slice)
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas to make banana bread?
Yes, frozen bananas work perfectly for banana bread. Thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and mash before adding to the batter for the same rich flavor.
How do I keep banana bread moist?
To keep banana bread moist, use very ripe bananas, don’t overmix the batter, and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a bit of yogurt or sour cream to the batter can also enhance moisture.
Can I make banana bread without eggs?
Yes, you can replace each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
Why does my banana bread sink in the middle?
Banana bread may sink if it’s underbaked or if too much air is incorporated while mixing. Always test for doneness with a skewer and avoid overmixing the batter.
Final Words
The Nigel Slater Banana Bread is a simple yet indulgent recipe that transforms ripe bananas into a moist and flavorful loaf. Whether enjoyed plain, toasted or with your favorite toppings, this banana bread is sure to become a household favorite. Ready to bake a slice of comfort? Try this recipe today and enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors of homemade banana bread!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Cottage Pie
- Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Nigella Roast Chicken Stuffing
- James Martin Blueberry Muffins
Nigel Slater Banana Bread
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 50
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Nigel Slater’s banana bread is a moist and flavorful loaf made with ripe bananas, butter, sugar, and flour. Enhanced with hints of vanilla or optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, it’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed plain or with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas (3 large): Mashed, for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Butter (125g, softened): Adds richness and flavor.
- Caster sugar (150g): Sweetens the bread.
- Eggs (2, large): To bind the batter.
- Plain flour (200g): The base of the bread.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the bread rise.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth.
- Optional add-ins: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease the loaf tin and line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash the bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth but slightly lumpy for texture.
Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Combine wet ingredients
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 5: Add dry ingredients
- Sift the plain flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- If using add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
Step 6: Pour into the loaf tin
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake the banana bread
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50–55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and serve
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
