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Paul Hollywood Banana Bread

Paul Hollywood Banana Bread
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Paul Hollywood is known for technique-driven baking. While he’s famous for bread, his quick loaves follow the same principle: structure matters.

Banana bread is technically a quick bread. It doesn’t use yeast. Instead, baking powder or baking soda creates lift. The mashed bananas provide moisture and natural sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dry Ingredients

  • 250 g plain flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Quality note: Sift dry ingredients to distribute leavening evenly.

For the Wet Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 300 g)

  • 150 g light brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 100 g melted unsalted butter (cooled slightly)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tin

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin with parchment paper.

Proper lining prevents sticking and ensures clean removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.

Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk gently until combined.

Avoid overbeating — just blend.

Step 4: Fold Together

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Fold gently using a spatula until just combined. The batter should be smooth but not overmixed.

If using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.

Overmixing develops gluten and creates a dense loaf.

Step 5: Bake Properly

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top.

Bake for 50–60 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

Step 6: Cool Before Slicing

Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Let it cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.

Find it online: https://britishrecipes.uk/paul-hollywood-banana-bread/