Banana and Chocolate Loaf (V)

I have been experimenting to get this bread right for soooo long and think I have it. The Banana isn't overpowering and compliments the chocolate well. Light and such a delight to have with a cup of tea.

Makes 1 Loaf

You can smell the banana and chocolate

2 Ripe Bananas, mashed
100g Unsalted Butter, at room temperature

100g Milk Chocolate Chips

200g Plain Flour

2 Large Eggs

1 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda

1 tsp Baking Powder

2 tbsp Whole Milk

150g Caster Sugar

Topping

2 tbsp Cocoa powder

125g Icing Sugar

45g Butter, softened at room temperature

5-6 tbsp Whole Milk
Handful of Banana chips (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 170c/150c fan assisted. Line a 2lb Loaf tin with greaseproof paper. 

2. Cream butter and sugar, then add the eggs, bananas and milk and give a mix until combined. 

3. Then mix the bicarbonate of soda, flour, and baking powder. Mix then add the chocolate chips. Then add the 2 tbsp of cocoa powder.

4, Once combined pour into loaf tin. Bake for 55 min to 1 hour.

5 While that is in the oven, make the topping of the loaf. First sift the cocoa powder, icing sugar into a bowl. Then add the butter and 1 tbsp of milk. Whisk (manual or electric) and gradually add the milk until you get a smooth spreadable mixture. If too thin add icing or cocoa powder and it too thick add milk.

6. Blitz the banana chips in a blender until a powder.

7. Once the loaf is finished allow to cool in tin for 10 minutes then move onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled spread the cocoa icing on top. Then top with banana chip powder. Then put in container and put in fridge to allow icing to thicken slightly. Take to bake sale or enjoy a slice with a cup of tea.

Great for bake sales!

Banana and Golden Syrup Loaf (V)

When you get those ripe bananas, dont throw them away, make this delicious Banana and Golden Syrup Loaf. Waste Not, Want Not. If you need a loaf tin, you can find one in your local cookery shop.

Makes 1 Loaf

2tbsp Golden Syrup
175g Butter
150g Caster Sugar
1 tsp Baking Powder
200g Self Raising Flour
2 Ripe Bananas, Mashed
2 Eggs, beaten

Icing Topping
50g Icing Sugar
2 tbsp Lemon Juice

1. Begin by preheating the oven to 180c/ Fan Assisted 160c. Then cover a 2lb loaf tin with  greaseproof paper.

2, Cream the butter and sugar together til combined. You can use a mixer or a wooden spoon. Personally used the mixer.

3. Add the eggs, bananas and golden syrup and mix well. Then add the the flour and baking powder. It should be a smooth consistency, it shouldnt be too runny.

4. Put the mixture in the loaf tin and bake for 30-35 minutes. It you put a toothpick/skewer through the centre it should come out clear. If not, put back in the oven for a few more minutes (5 at a time). Leave to cool

5. While loaf is in the cooling make the icing top. Mix the ingredients in a small bowl. If too runny add more icing sugar and if it too thick add more lemon juice. You should be able to drizzle over the loaf. Drizzle over the cake and serve.

Banana Bread (V)

Here is a sweet one for you to sink your teeth into. Not much of a bread and more of a cake but all the same tastes delicious.

Makes 1 Loaf

140g butter , softened, plus extra for the tin
3 tbsp Golden Syrup
75g Macadamia Nuts
75g Caster sugar
2 large eggs , beaten
150g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
3 very ripe bananas, 2 mashed and 1 sliced


1. Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan. Butter a 2lb loaf tin and line the base and sides with baking paper

2. Cream the butter, sugar and golden syrup until light and fluffy. Add eggs with a little flour. Fold in the remaining flour, baking powder, bananas and nuts.

3. Pour into the tin and add sliced bananas on top of the mixture. 

4. Bake for about 30 mins until a skewer can come out clean. Cool in the tin for 10 mins, then remove to a wire rack. Then leave to cool for a further half an hour.