The addition of caramelised banana bread topping to this classic banana bread recipe makes it a stunning brunch or dessert. The caramelised banana topping recipe makes enough for one loaf of banana bread, so double it if you want to top two loaves.
Banana Bread
Ingredients
250g unsalted butter, diced, at room temperature
2 ½ cups (550g) brown sugar, firmly packed
3 tsp vanilla extract
4 eggs
2 ½ cups (375g) plain flour
1 cup (150g) self-raising flour
2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tsp mixed spice
3 cups mashed over-ripe banana (approx. 8 medium bananas)
Method
Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C (fan-forced). Grease two 14 x 23cm (top measurement) loaf pans. Line bases and sides with baking paper
Beat butter, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl of an electric mixer on medium speed for 5-7 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition
Sift flours, soda and mixed spice and fold into cake batter along with mashed banana. Divide evenly among prepared pans. Smooth over tops
Bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove. Stand in pans 30 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool
Tips & Hints
Bananas are best when they are over-ripe.
Mixed spice can be replaced with ground cinnamon, if preferred.
Plain banana bread will keep for up to one week, stored in an airtight container.
To freeze, wrap loaf tightly in cling film and place inside an airtight container or bag. Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
Defrost in refrigerator overnight, slice and serve.
Alternatively, slice and warm in microwave for 30 seconds on HIGH.
Caramel Banana Topping
Ingredients
2 under ripe bananas
40g unsalted butter, chopped
⅓ cup (75g) brown sugar, firmly packed
⅓ cup (80ml) thickened cream
Method
To make caramel bananas, peel and slice bananas into 1cm thick diagonal slices
Melt half the butter in a medium frypan over medium heat. Add bananas and cook until edges turn golden brown. Remove from the pan
Add remaining butter, sugar and cream and stir until sugar is dissolved. Gently boil for 1-2 minutes, or until thickened slightly. Remove from heat
Arrange bananas over the top of one banana bread and spoon sauce over the top. Serve with extra sauce and cream or ice cream
Tips & Hints
This recipe makes enough caramelised bananas to top one loaf. Double the recipe to top two loaves.
