Walnut & Banana Loaf
If you can, try and use slightly overripe bananas for this banana loaf recipe as they will give you a treacly, caramelly intensity that works so well. The chocolate butter is painfully enjoyable, but I suggest just having a smidgen with a slice of the loaf.
If you can, try and use slightly overripe bananas for this banana loaf recipe as they will give you a treacly, caramelly intensity that works so well. The chocolate butter is painfully enjoyable, but I suggest just having a smidgen with a slice of the loaf.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- olive oil
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 large free-range eggs
- 2 oranges
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 200 g plain flour
- 100 g shelled walnuts
- 5-6 ripe bananas (500g)
- 125 g unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 125 g dark brown sugar
- 100 g quality cooking chocolate (70%)
- 150 g unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 80 g icing sugar
- Carbohydrate 26.9824316656746 g
- Cholesterol 26.8458333325049 mg
- Fat 4.99695145812295 g
- Fiber 1.64153750026226 g
- Protein 3.6965545826478 g
- Saturated Fat 0.663978229049286 g
- Serving Size 1 1 with loads of leftover butter (103g)
- Sodium 102.187851540753 mg
- Sugar 25.3408941654124 g
- Trans Fat 0.369467640614918 g
- Calories 161 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 170°C/325°F/gas 3.
- Spread the walnuts out on a baking tray and toast gently in the oven for 5 minutes, or until they smell fantastic.
- Meanwhile, quickly peel and mash up the bananas, so you’ve got a mixture of smooth and chunky.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a food processor (or by hand), until smooth and pale. Beat in the eggs one by one, scraping the sides as you go so everything gets mixed together, then spoon into a large bowl.
- Tip the toasted walnuts onto a board, then quickly run a knife through them, leaving some halved and others fairly fine so you get a good range of textures.
- Add the mashed bananas and chopped walnuts to the bowl, then sift in the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon and a pinch of sea salt. Mix to a smooth batter.
- Tear off 1 metre of greaseproof paper, scrunch it and wet under a tap. Drizzle a little olive oil over both sides and rub that in, then push the scrunched greaseproof into a 1-litre loaf tin, getting it right down into the corners (it’s ok if it’s a bit scruffy).
- Transfer the batter to the prepared tin and cook on the middle shelf in the oven for 1 hour, or until cooked through. To test if it's cooked, poke a skewer into the middle – if it comes out clean, it's done, if not cook for another few minutes.
- While the loaf bakes, make the chocolate butter. Snap the chocolate into a heatproof bowl and melt slowly over a pan of gently simmering hot water.
- Once melted, remove from the heat, and finely grate in the orange zest. Stir to combine, then leave to cool slightly.
- Cream the butter and icing sugar together, then beat in the cooled chocolate. Once you’ve got a nice even mixture, transfer it to a little pot or a cute butter dish and sprinkle on a tiny pinch of sea salt from a height to give it a little salty kick.
- Either put in the fridge to set for a few hours, or serve right away spread on a slice of warm banana loaf. Keep any leftover chocolate butter in a jar in the fridge for another day, and just take it out of the fridge to soften before serving.
My Unexpectedly Delicious Walnut and Banana Loaf Adventure
Baking has always been my happy place, a sanctuary from the daily grind of work and life's little surprises. I don't follow recipes religiously; I like to improvise, to experiment, to see where the whisk takes me. This particular loaf came about on one of those "let's see what happens" baking days. I had a bunch of slightly overripe bananas threatening mutiny on my counter, and a bag of walnuts staring back at me with their promise of nutty goodness. The result? A surprisingly delightful walnut and banana loaf, the kind that disappears faster than you can say "second helping."
The beauty of this loaf isn't just in its taste, but in its simplicity. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up on a Tuesday evening after a long day, or during a lazy Sunday brunch. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques are required. Just a simple combination of pantry staples, transformed into something incredibly satisfying. I added a touch of cinnamon for warmth, a whisper of salt to enhance the sweetness, and some fresh orange zest to give it a bright, citrusy zing. It's all about the balance of flavors, the way the nutty walnuts complement the sweet bananas, and the smooth, rich chocolate butter adds the perfect finishing touch.
I discovered the chocolate butter almost by accident. I had some leftover quality dark chocolate and butter, and the idea just popped into my head. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple steps. The melted chocolate, combined with the creamy butter and a hint of orange zest, creates a decadent spread that takes this already delicious loaf to a whole new level. I find myself frequently reaching for this easy-to-make chocolate butter, spreading it on everything from toast to biscuits. The little bit of sea salt adds a touch of unexpected sophistication. The secret? A tiny pinch sprinkled from a height, almost like a light dusting of snow on a winter's morning.
The texture is another thing I love about this loaf. It's wonderfully moist, thanks to the overripe bananas, and the walnuts add a delightful crunch in every bite. It's the perfect afternoon treat with a cup of tea, a comforting dessert after a satisfying dinner, or a delicious addition to a weekend picnic. The loaf keeps well, too, so you can bake it ahead and enjoy it over a few days. I often bake a double batch, sharing one with friends and family, and enjoying the other myself. It's become a bit of a staple in my home, a go-to recipe when I need a little bit of comfort food, or a tasty treat to share.
The process of baking this loaf is a mindful one for me. From the preheating of the oven to the gentle toasting of the walnuts, each step feels deliberate, intentional. There's a satisfaction in creating something beautiful from simple ingredients, something that nourishes not only the body but also the soul. It’s a reminder that even the simplest things can bring immense joy, a little bit of magic in an otherwise ordinary day. The rich aroma that fills my kitchen as it bakes is an invitation to slow down, to savor the moment, to appreciate the simple pleasures in life.
So, if you’re looking for a simple, yet incredibly delicious recipe to add to your repertoire, I highly recommend giving this walnut and banana loaf a try. It's a recipe that's as versatile as it is delicious, perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special celebration. It’s a testament to the magic that happens when you combine simple ingredients with a little bit of love and a whole lot of heart. And don’t forget the chocolate butter; it’s the perfect finishing touch.
