Jamie Oliver Banana Bread Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

Let me tell you a quick story.

A few years ago, I visited a friend who baked the most amazing banana bread I’d ever had. The smell hit me as soon as I walked in-sweet, warm, and comforting. I begged her for the recipe. She smiled and said, ’It’s Jamie Oliver’s. You have to try it.’

Fast forward to now-I’ve made that banana bread more times than I can count. It’s my go-to for lazy Sundays, rainy afternoons, and even when I’ve had a rough day. There’s something about baking banana bread that feels like therapy.

And Jamie Oliver’s version? It’s golden. Moist. Light. Not too sweet. Just perfect.

Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread Recipe

This isn’t your average banana bread. Jamie gives it a simple twist-keeping things rustic and rich with just the right touch of spice. What I love most? He lets the bananas shine.

Here’s what sets his recipe apart:

• Uses ripe bananas (of course!) but not overly mushy ones
• Adds ground cinnamon for warmth
• Includes mixed nuts or chocolate for texture (optional but sooo good)
• Stays moist without being oily

Jamie keeps it fuss-free-no mixer, no fancy steps. Just real ingredients and honest flavors.

Ingredients Needed

Before you start, get everything ready. I like laying things out on the counter-it makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3-4 ripe bananas – the spottier, the better
• 125g unsalted butter – softened
• 2 large eggs – room temperature is best
• 200g light brown sugar – for a rich caramel flavor
• 225g plain flour – all-purpose works fine
• 1 heaped tsp baking powder – for rise
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – adds cozy depth
• 1 pinch salt – balances everything

• Optional

  • A handful of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • Chocolate chunks or chips
  • A spoonful of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for extra moisture

Tip: Don’t worry if you’re missing one of the optional ingredients-this recipe is super forgiving.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread

Okay, let’s bake. Here’s how I do it, step-by-step. Feel free to put on some music and enjoy the process-it’s therapeutic.

Step 1: Prep The Oven

• Preheat to 180°C (350°F)
• Line a loaf tin with baking paper or grease it lightly

Step 2: Mash The Bananas

• Use a fork to mash them in a bowl
• Leave a few lumps for texture (totally personal preference)

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until soft
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time
• Stir in the mashed bananas

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

• Sift in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt
• Gently fold it all together (don’t overmix-just until combined)

Step 5: Add Extras (if Using)

• Stir in nuts or chocolate
• You can also add a swirl of honey on top if you’re feeling fancy

Step 6: Bake

• Pour batter into your prepared loaf tin
• Bake for 45-55 minutes (check with a skewer-should come out clean)
• Let it cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack

I always sneak a slice while it’s still warm. Can you blame me?

Ingredient Science Spotlight

I’m a bit of a kitchen nerd, so I love understanding why ingredients work the way they do. Here’s a little science behind the magic:

• Bananas: Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and structure. The riper they are, the more sugar they contain.
• Brown sugar: Adds a richer, deeper flavor than white sugar, and helps retain moisture.
• Butter: Gives the bread that indulgent, soft crumb. Softened butter is key-cold butter won’t mix properly.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and help the bread rise.
• Baking powder: Creates that beautiful lift by releasing carbon dioxide during baking.
• Cinnamon: Doesn’t just add flavor-it actually enhances the sweetness of the bananas.
• Salt: A pinch is all you need, but it makes the other flavors pop.

Understanding this stuff helps if you ever want to tweak the recipe to your taste.

Expert Tips

I’ve messed this up a few times-so you don’t have to. Here are the things I’ve learned along the way:

• Use a kitchen scale if possible-it’s more accurate than cups
• Don’t overmix the batter-it can make the bread dense
• Check your bananas: if they’re black on the outside and mushy, that’s perfect
• Let it cool fully before slicing if you want neat slices (I rarely do)
• Wrap it in foil and store it overnight-tastes even better the next day
• Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth

Want a crustier top? Sprinkle a little brown sugar on before baking. You’ll thank me later.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Once you’ve nailed the original, you can play around with flavors.

Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried:

• Chocolate Banana Bread: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder + dark chocolate chunks
• Tropical: Add shredded coconut + chopped pineapple
• Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil, and eggs with flax eggs
• Zesty Kick: Add orange or lemon zest to the batter
• Coffee Banana Bread: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso for a subtle coffee vibe
• Berry Boost: Throw in a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries

The base recipe is super adaptable, so have fun with it.

Final Words

I’ve baked this banana bread for:

• Breakfast potlucks
• Family brunches
• New neighbors
• Myself on a random Wednesday night

Every single time, it’s a hit. There’s just something comforting about banana bread-it brings people together.

Jamie’s recipe is reliable, easy, and open to creativity. Whether you stick to the classic or give it your own twist, it’ll feel like home in every bite.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread?

You’ll need ripe bananas, butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

How Ripe Should The Bananas Be?

The riper the bananas, the better! You want them spotty and soft for maximum sweetness.

Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead Of Plain Flour?

Yes, but the texture may be a bit denser. You can mix it with plain flour for a lighter loaf.

How Long Do I Bake The Banana Bread For?

It usually takes about 1 hour in the oven at 170°C (or 325°F). Check with a skewer.

Can I Add Nuts Or Chocolate Chips To The Recipe?

Definitely! Walnuts or chocolate chips work great in this recipe.

Should I Use Salted Or Unsalted Butter?

Jamie Oliver uses unsalted butter for more control over the flavor, but salted can work too.

Can I Make This Banana Bread Dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil or dairy-free margarine.

Can I Freeze The Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

How Do I Know When The Banana Bread Is Done?

Stick a skewer or knife into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Sugar?

Yes! You can swap white sugar with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a richer flavor.