Delia Smith’s Banana Bread Recipe

Delia Smith’s Banana Bread is a classic recipe that has become a beloved staple in many households. Known for her expertise in British home cooking, Delia Smith has created a banana bread recipe that is both straightforward and delicious.

The bread has a wonderfully moist texture, thanks to ripe bananas, and a rich flavor that makes it perfect for a snack, dessert, or even breakfast. Her version is straightforward, without any unnecessary frills, yet it results in a perfectly balanced loaf that is not overly sweet but deeply satisfying.

The recipe uses simple ingredients, making it easy to bake even for novice cooks. Over the years, Delia’s Banana Bread has earned a reputation for being foolproof, as it does not require any special techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you are looking to use up ripe bananas or simply crave a comforting homemade treat, this banana bread is an excellent choice.

Delia Smith’s Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Delia Smith’s Banana Bread, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Ripe Bananas – The star ingredient! Choose bananas that are fully ripe, with spots on the skin. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
2. Butter – This adds moisture and richness to the bread. You’ll need to soften the butter to room temperature for easy mixing.
3. Sugar – Granulated sugar is commonly used in Delia’s recipe, providing the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the banana flavor.
4. Egg – One large egg helps bind the ingredients together and gives the bread structure.
5. Self-raising Flour – Self-raising flour already contains baking powder, which helps the bread rise without the need for any additional leavening agents.
6. Baking Powder – If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can substitute with plain flour and add baking powder for leavening.
7. Salt – Just a pinch, to balance the sweetness.
8. Cinnamon (Optional) – Some variations of the recipe may include a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to enhance the flavor with a subtle spice, though this is optional.
9. Milk – A small amount of milk is added to help the batter come together and provide the right texture.

Equipment Needed

Before you begin, ensure you have the following equipment:

1. Mixing Bowls – You’ll need at least two bowls: one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
2. Electric Mixer (Optional) – You can mix the ingredients by hand, but an electric hand mixer can make the process quicker and smoother.
3. Loaf Tin – A standard 2lb loaf tin works best for this recipe. Grease the tin or line it with baking parchment to prevent the banana bread from sticking.
4. Measuring Cups/Spoons – Accurate measurements are essential for a balanced recipe.
5. Sifter (Optional) – If you’re using plain flour and baking powder instead of self-raising flour, it’s helpful to sift the dry ingredients to ensure even mixing.
6. Spatula or Wooden Spoon – For folding the wet and dry ingredients together.
7. Cooling Rack – Once your banana bread is baked, allow it to cool on a rack to avoid sogginess on the bottom.

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Delia Smith’s Banana Bread

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 170°C (150°C for fan-assisted ovens) or 325°F.
2. Prepare the Loaf Tin: Grease a 2lb loaf tin or line it with baking parchment. This will ensure your banana bread doesn’t stick.
3. Mash the Bananas: In a bowl, peel and mash the ripe bananas until smooth. It’s okay if there are a few lumps.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this step to save time.
5. Add the Egg: Beat the egg into the butter-sugar mixture. Make sure it’s well incorporated.
6. Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder (if using plain flour) into the wet ingredients. Add the pinch of salt and optional cinnamon. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or spoon.
7. Incorporate the Bananas: Stir the mashed bananas into the batter. You should have a thick, moist batter at this stage.
8. Add Milk: If the batter feels too thick, add a little milk, just a tablespoon at a time, until the consistency is easy to stir but not runny.
9. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool: Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice.

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

1. Use Overripe Bananas: The more ripe your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Dark brown bananas are perfect for this recipe, as they are soft and easy to mash.
2. Don’t Overmix: When mixing the dry ingredients with the wet, be careful not to overmix. This could result in a dense and heavy loaf.
3. Experiment with Add-ins: While Delia’s recipe is simple, feel free to add a handful of chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits like raisins for extra flavor and texture.
4. Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allow the banana bread to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread firm up and makes it easier to slice without falling apart.
5. Storage: Banana bread keeps well for a few days at room temperature, wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months-just slice it before freezing for easy portions.

Delia Smith’s Banana Bread is a tried-and-tested recipe that consistently delivers a moist, flavorful loaf with minimal effort. The simplicity of the ingredients, paired with the easy-to-follow method, makes this banana bread a perfect choice for novice bakers or anyone looking to bake a quick and delicious treat. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or simply craving a comforting homemade snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Simple Twists On Delia Smith’s Banana Bread Recipe

Delia Smith’s banana bread recipe is already a classic, known for its simplicity, ease, and delicious taste. However, even the best recipes can benefit from a little creativity and personalization. Here are a few twists you can incorporate into Delia’s banana bread to make it uniquely yours:

1. Add Nuts For Texture

One of the easiest ways to elevate your banana bread is by incorporating nuts. Walnuts or pecans work particularly well with the sweetness of bananas, adding a delightful crunch and earthy flavor.

You can either chop them coarsely and fold them into the batter or sprinkle them on top for a decorative touch. For extra depth of flavor, toast the nuts in a dry pan before adding them to the batter to bring out their natural oils and aroma.

2. Incorporate Chocolate Chips

For those with a sweet tooth, adding chocolate chips is a wonderful option. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate will give your banana bread a rich, indulgent flavor.

To prevent the chocolate from sinking to the bottom, toss the chocolate chips in a small amount of flour before adding them to the batter. This will help distribute them evenly throughout the loaf.

3. Experiment With Spices

Banana bread is already delicious with a hint of cinnamon, but don’t stop there!

Spice it up with a variety of warming spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom. A pinch of allspice or cloves can also add an aromatic depth. This is a great way to change the flavor profile of your banana bread for different occasions, especially during cooler months.

4. Add Zest Of Citrus

For a refreshing twist, try adding citrus zest to your banana bread. Orange or lemon zest complements the banana’s flavor and adds a bright, fragrant element to the loaf. The acidity from the citrus also helps balance out the sweetness of the bananas and sugar.

5. Use Different Sweeteners

Delia Smith’s original recipe uses standard granulated sugar, but you can experiment with alternative sweeteners for a more complex flavor. Try using honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to add caramel notes or molasses-like richness. If you’re looking for a lower glycemic index option, coconut sugar or stevia might be worth considering.

6. Incorporate Coconut Or Dried Fruit

To make your banana bread feel more exotic, consider adding shredded coconut or dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or cranberries. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also provide added texture and chewiness, making your banana bread a bit more substantial.

7. Make It Vegan

Delia Smith’s banana bread recipe is not vegan, but it can easily be adapted. Swap the eggs for a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) or use applesauce as a binder.

For the butter, opt for coconut oil or any plant-based butter substitute. This way, you can enjoy a delicious, plant-based version of the classic recipe.

With these easy and fun twists, you can make Delia Smith’s banana bread your own, experimenting with textures and flavors that suit your taste buds!

How To Properly Store Leftovers

Banana bread is incredibly moist and flavorful, but it also tends to dry out or lose its texture if not stored properly. To extend the freshness of your leftover banana bread, follow these tips:

1. Wrap In Plastic Or Parchment Paper

Once your banana bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper. This helps lock in moisture and prevents the bread from becoming stale. Be sure the bread is fully cooled before wrapping, as wrapping warm banana bread can cause condensation, which can lead to sogginess.

2. Store In An Airtight Container

If you prefer a bit more protection for your banana bread, place it in an airtight container after wrapping it. This will keep the bread from drying out and will preserve its flavor for a longer time.

3. Refrigerate For Longer Shelf Life

Banana bread can be kept at room temperature for about 3-4 days. However, if you want to extend its shelf life, store it in the fridge. While this will help preserve it for up to a week, be aware that refrigeration can slightly affect the texture of the bread, making it a bit denser.

4. Freeze For Long-Term Storage

To store banana bread for an extended period, freezing is your best option. Slice the loaf into individual servings before wrapping it in plastic wrap or foil.

Place the wrapped slices into a freezer-safe bag, and you’ll be able to enjoy banana bread for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply leave the slices at room temperature for about an hour, or heat them gently in the microwave.

5. Consider Storing The Frosting Separately

If you’ve added any frosting or icing to your banana bread, it’s best to store that separately in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply spread it over the bread or heat the slices and add the topping fresh.

By following these storage methods, you can enjoy the wonderful taste of banana bread for days to come, without worrying about it losing its signature moistness or flavor.

What To Eat With Delia Smith’s Banana Bread?

Banana bread, with its rich and slightly sweet flavor, is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods. Here are some ideas on what to eat alongside Delia Smith’s banana bread for a more fulfilling and exciting meal experience:

1. Butter Or Nut Butters

The classic spread for banana bread is butter. You can slather a thin layer of softened butter on a warm slice of banana bread for a rich, savory contrast to the sweetness.

If you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, try almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter. The creamy texture and nutty flavors will complement the bread’s moisture and sweetness perfectly.

2. Yogurt

For a light, refreshing pairing, serve banana bread with a dollop of Greek yogurt. The tangy taste of the yogurt cuts through the sweetness of the bread and provides a delightful contrast. You can also add honey, fresh berries, or granola to the yogurt for extra flavor and texture.

3. Fresh Fruit

Banana bread already has banana in it, but pairing it with other fresh fruits, such as berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries), apple slices, or even citrus segments, can add a burst of freshness to your snack. The sweetness and acidity from the fruit balance the bread’s richness.

4. Tea Or Coffee

Banana bread is a perfect companion to a warm beverage. A cup of tea-whether it’s black, green, or a fragrant herbal blend-complements the richness of banana bread beautifully. Alternatively, a freshly brewed coffee or cappuccino can offer a nice contrast, especially for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

5. Whipped Cream Or Ice Cream

For a decadent dessert, top your banana bread with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also experiment with flavored ice creams like caramel, cinnamon, or chocolate. If you want to go further, drizzle a little chocolate or caramel sauce on top for an indulgent touch.

6. Cheese

Banana bread and cheese might sound unusual, but the sweet and savory combination can be incredibly satisfying. Soft cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta work well, or you can try a mild cheddar for a more unexpected pairing. The richness of cheese enhances the sweetness of the banana bread and makes for a delightful treat.

Conclusion

Delia Smith’s banana bread is already a beloved classic, and with a few simple twists, you can make it your own. Whether you’re adding nuts, spices, or chocolate chips, or even turning it into a vegan treat, there are endless possibilities for customization.

The proper storage methods ensure that you can savor every last slice, whether it’s at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen for later. Finally, banana bread pairs well with a wide range of accompaniments, from butter and yogurt to fresh fruit and tea. So go ahead and enjoy this comforting treat, no matter the occasion!.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients In Delia Smith’s Banana Bread Recipe?

Delia Smith’s banana bread recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. You will need ripe bananas, self-raising flour, baking powder, butter, sugar, eggs, and a little milk.

The bananas should be very ripe to ensure the bread has a moist texture and a rich banana flavor. Additionally, you can add optional ingredients like chopped nuts (such as walnuts) for extra crunch and flavor.

Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead Of Self-raising Flour In Delia Smith’s Banana Bread Recipe?

While the recipe traditionally uses self-raising flour, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different. If you choose to use plain whole wheat flour, you will need to add baking powder to ensure the bread rises properly. Typically, for every 150g of whole wheat flour, you’ll want to add about 2 teaspoons of baking powder.

How Do I Ensure That Delia Smith’s Banana Bread Stays Moist?

To ensure your banana bread remains moist, make sure you’re using overripe bananas, as their high sugar content adds moisture. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a denser loaf.

Baking the bread at the correct temperature (around 160°C or 320°F) and for the right amount of time-usually around 1 hour-helps to prevent it from drying out. Letting it cool completely in the tin before removing it will also help preserve moisture.