Sometimes, the sight of produce wilting at the back of the fridge brings on a pang of guilt at the memory of the Uber Eats we ordered for dinner the night before. But in the case of bananas, it's really a welcome sight. You see the humble, slightly brown banana, makes for one of the best homemade delicacies: banana bread. Sweet, comforting, and best served warm with lashings of butter, there's really nothing to love about this classic treat.
From the rich and indulgent to the healthier twists, banana bread can be made in endless variations to suit every taste. So, no matter which way your palette leans, we’ve gathered the best banana bread recipes that range from traditional, moist loaves to creative, unique takes with exciting ingredients. Preheat your oven and get ready to find your new favourite banana bread recipe, below.
Nick Pearce's classic banana bread
View this post on Instagram
For those who prefer their loaf with a little bit of texture, look no further. Nick Pearce (who cooks under the Instagram alias, Recipearce) has perfected a recipe that doesn't require you to mash your bananas, leaving for delicious, sweet chunks scattered throughout.
Caramelised banana bread
View this post on Instagram
If you thought banana bread couldn't get any better, think again. This recipe calls for you to caramelise your bananas in an aromatic brown sugar mix, before adding them in to the loaf. It's then topped off with a brown butter glaze, to please even the most intense sweet tooth.
Walnut, chocolate chip banana bread
View this post on Instagram
Most things are better when you add chocolate and nuts to them, and this banana bread is proof. This indulgent twist on a classic uses browned butter, crème frâiche and toasted nuts to really up the ante, and the results really speak for themselves.
Nigella Lawson's gluten free banana bread
View this post on Instagram
Hear us out: gluten free doesn't necessarily mean worse, especially not when dessert queen Nigella Lawson is involved. She's somehow managed to master a gluten free recipe that's perfectly moist, thanks to the addition of greek yoghurt — and jazzed up with semi sweet chocolate chips, of course.
Julia Busuttil Nishimura's everyday banana loaf
View this post on Instagram
We're big fans of just about everything Julia Busuttil Nishimura dreams up, including this simple loaf from her cookbook, Ostro. There's really not much more to say except that this is simple, delicious, and worth baking for yourself.
Healthy one bowl banana bread
View this post on Instagram
This recipe is gluten free, replacing traditional flours for almond meal and oat flour. It's got the ultimate moist texture (and lots of protein protein) from the addition of greek yoghurt, and coconut sugar gives a delicious, caramel-y sweetness.
Burnt miso brown butter banana bread
View this post on Instagram
Banana and miso might not sound like an obvious combination, but trust us, it works. This recipe has the most delicious caramelised, nutty flavour, thanks to the addition of a caramelised pecan and sesame glaze, plus, of course, the burnt miso. Don't knock it until you try it.
Double dark chocolate banana bread
View this post on Instagram
This recipe combines two of our favourite things: chocolate and banana. It also only requires one bowl and no mixer at all, in case you needed more convincing...
Upside down banana cake
View this post on Instagram
For something that looks incredibly impressive on the table, we love this upside down banana cake recipe. The bread itself has a touch of espresso, but the real stars of the show are the brown sugar caramelized bananas on top. Low effort, maximum impact.
Banana bread cookies
View this post on Instagram
Okay, it's not banana bread, but it is delicious. This recipe takes everything we love about a classic banana bread, and puts it into perfectly chewy biscuit form. And for 10 cookies, you only need one ripe banana. We call that a win-win.
