Banana bread recipe | Jamie Oliver recipes (2024)

Serves 12

Cooks In1 hour 15 minutes plus cooling

This works best with super-ripe bananas, so use up any that you’ve got at home. You can also freeze overripe bananas and when you have enough, they will defrost in an hour or so, ready to bake into a cake!

EASY SWAPS:
Instead of the pecans, you could try chopped peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, dried fruit or chocolate, or a sprinkling of chocolate chips – reduce food waste by using up what you have in the cupboard.

COOKING WITH KIDS:
Jamie wholeheartedly believes that cooking is up there as one of the most valuable skills you can teach a child. Getting kids excited about food, where it comes from and how to cook it, gives them a better chance of being healthier and happier in the long run. When cooking with kids, use your common sense to determine what jobs they can help you with, depending on their age and skill level. It’s always good to start small, with jobs such as mixing and measuring, then progress to elements of a recipe, then go on to slightly trickier techniques over time. The more they cook, the better they’ll get. Make sure you supervise them when using heat or sharp utensils like knives and box graters, and teach them about the importance of washing their hands before they start, and after handling raw meat and fish, as well as other basic hygiene rules. Most of all, have fun with it, and encourage them to give things a go.

Can you freeze banana bread?

Yes, absolutely! Banana bread can be frozen once it’s completely cooled, and it will keep for up to three months. If you’re freezing individual slices, wrap them in greaseproof or beeswax paper before putting them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag. If you’re freezing a whole loaf, wrap it in greaseproof and then again in foil, or pop it into a large resealable bag.

How long does banana bread last in the fridge?

Homemade banana bread will last up to one week in the fridge (or 60 seconds with kids about!). Just make sure you wrap it in greaseproof or beeswax paper or store it in an airtight container so it doesn’t dry out.

Can bananas ever be too ripe to use in banana bread?

Not at all – in fact, the riper and darker the banana, the better! However, if your bananas are mouldy or have an off-putting smell, then we’d avoid, as they aren’t safe to use.