This banana bread recipe is the bom! Banana bread is one of the most beloved baked goods around the world. It’s simple, versatile, and a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. Whether you’re making it as a breakfast treat, a snack, or even a dessert, banana bread has a comforting and nostalgic appeal.

But what makes banana bread truly special is how flexible the recipe can be. You can stick to the basics or add unique twists to create your own version. In this guide, we’ll cover a traditional banana bread recipe with a twist—adding spiced nuts for a little extra texture and warmth. You’ll also find helpful tips on when bananas are too far gone, and we’ll answer some common banana bread FAQs.

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Classic Banana Bread Recipe (With Spiced Nut Twist)

Ingredients:

• • 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• • 125g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted

• • 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar

• • 2 large eggs

• • 1 tsp vanilla extract

• • 250g (2 cups) plain flour

• • 1 tsp baking soda

• • Pinch of salt

• • 50g (1/4 cup) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• • 1 tsp cinnamon

• • 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a standard loaf tin.

1. 1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

1. 1. Mash the bananas: In a separate large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.

1. 1. Combine the wet ingredients: Stir the melted butter into the bananas, followed by the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

1. 1. Fold in the dry ingredients: Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

1. 1. Add the spiced nuts: If you’re using nuts, fold them into the batter.

1. 1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin.

1. 1. Bake for 60–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

1. 1. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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What Does Banana Bread Go With?

One of the best things about banana bread is how versatile it is. It can be enjoyed on its own, or paired with various toppings and sides to elevate it to a new level. Here are a few ideas for what banana bread goes well with:

1. 1. Nut Butter: Spread almond, peanut, or cashew butter on a slice of banana bread for an extra boost of protein and flavour.

1. 1. Greek Yogurt: Serve a slice of banana bread alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a more balanced snack or breakfast.

1. 1. Fresh Fruit: Banana bread pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, sliced apples, or citrus fruits, which add brightness to the sweetness of the bread.

1. 1. Cream Cheese: A layer of cream cheese adds a tangy richness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the banana bread.

1. 1. Ice Cream: For a dessert twist, serve banana bread warm with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream.

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When Can You No Longer Use Bananas for Banana Bread?

The beauty of banana bread is that it thrives on overripe bananas. The more overripe they are, the sweeter and more flavourful the bread becomes. However, there’s a point where bananas can go too far.

• • Best time to use: When the bananas are heavily spotted or fully black on the outside, they’re perfect for banana bread. The flesh should be soft and sweet.

• • Too far gone: If your bananas are leaking liquid, have mould growing on the peel, or smell off (fermented or alcoholic), they’re no longer safe to use. It’s time to toss them.

• • Pro tip: You can freeze overripe bananas if you’re not ready to bake yet. Just peel them, store in an airtight container, and they’ll keep for months in the freezer. Let them thaw before mashing.

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Why Is Banana Bread Called Bread and Not Cake?

This is a question that many people ponder, especially since banana bread often resembles a sweet, dense cake. The answer comes down to tradition and ingredients.

Banana bread is called “bread” because of its method of preparation, which is more similar to quick breads like zucchini or pumpkin bread. Unlike cake, which requires creaming butter and sugar together before adding eggs and flour, banana bread is made by mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately and combining them. Additionally, banana bread uses less sugar and fat than typical cakes, and it’s baked in a loaf tin, not a cake pan.

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Is Banana Bread Good for the Body?

Banana bread can be a part of a balanced diet, but its healthiness depends on the ingredients you use. Traditional banana bread recipes often contain sugar, butter, and white flour, which are fine in moderation but can contribute to high calorie intake.

However, there are ways to make banana bread healthier:

1. 1. Use whole wheat flour: This adds fibre, which is good for digestion and keeps you feeling fuller longer.

1. 1. Reduce sugar: Bananas themselves are naturally sweet, so you can reduce the added sugar in the recipe without sacrificing flavour.

1. 1. Swap butter for healthier fats: Use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter to incorporate healthier fats.

1. 1. Add nuts or seeds: Including nuts like walnuts or chia seeds can add protein, healthy fats, and additional nutrients.

1. 1. Portion control: Even with healthy swaps, it’s important to enjoy banana bread in moderation, as it can still be calorie-dense.

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Banana bread is a timeless recipe that’s easy to adapt to suit your preferences, whether you prefer it as a breakfast staple or a sweet treat. By making simple ingredient swaps, you can create a healthier version without sacrificing flavour. Whether you’re adding nuts for texture, using whole wheat flour for extra fibre, or pairing it with Greek yogurt, banana bread is a versatile dish that you can enjoy guilt-free.