Jamie Oliver Banana and Coconut Bread Recipe

What is it about the super lovely combination of banana and coconut in a bread recipe?

This Jamie Oliver recipe is not only moist and delicious, but it also offers a great way to use up overripe bananas.

You start with simple ingredients like flour, coconut milk, and mashed bananas, which blend together for a perfect loaf.

The unique twist of adding coconut makes it my go-to when I crave something beyond the usual banana bread.

How to Make Jamie Oliver Banana and Coconut Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups Flour
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup Shredded Coconut
• 1 cup Mashed Banana
• 2 Eggs (beaten)
• 1/2 cup Coconut Milk
• 1/2 cup Butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup Sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and shredded coconut.

Give it a good mix to incorporate everything evenly.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, mix together mashed banana, beaten eggs, coconut milk, melted butter, and sugar.

Stir until smooth.

Step 4:

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently.

Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender.

Step 5:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Enjoy this warm goodie on its own or with a spread of butter.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Ripe Bananas

For the best flavor, go for bananas that are slightly overripe and have a soft texture with speckles on the peel.

They’re sweeter and mash up nicely into the batter.

Toast Your Coconut

Toasting the shredded coconut before adding it to the batter brings out more of its nutty flavor and golden color.

It adds a lovely texture to the bread’s surface.

Check with a Toothpick

Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf to judge when it’s fully baked.

If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, then it’s ready for cooling!

Let It Cool Down

Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing.

This step helps ensure each slice holds together, making a clean cut easier without crumbling.

Add Chocolate Chips

Feel free to throw in a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet twist.

They pair well with both banana and coconut, enhancing the bread’s flavor!

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Banana and Coconut Bread

Butter and Honey

A classic way to enjoy banana and coconut bread is with a simple spread of butter and a drizzle of honey.

The creaminess of the butter complements the bread’s texture, while honey adds a bit of natural sweetness.

I recommend trying this combination when the bread is still warm from the oven for the best experience.

Creamy Peanut Butter

For those who love a nutty flavor, peanut butter makes a fantastic topping.

Its richness pairs wonderfully with the coconut notes in the bread.

You might want to try a thin layer first, and then add more if you enjoy the flavor boost it gives.

Mascarpone Cheese

Mascarpone cheese offers a creamy and mild option that goes well with the moistness of the banana bread.

Spread a generous amount for a filling breakfast or afternoon snack.

You might find this combination indulgent, but it’s still simple enough to let the bread’s flavor shine through.

Lemon Curd

Lemon curd might be a surprising choice, but its tangy flavor can enhance the bread’s taste.

A bit of zest and creaminess makes each bite refreshing.

If you haven’t paired lemon curd with your banana and coconut bread before, it’s a tasty twist worth trying.

Dark Chocolate Spread

Dark chocolate spread adds a rich and indulgent touch to your banana and coconut bread.

Use it for a sweet treat that feels a little special without too much effort.

This option is perfect for a dessert-like experience, ensuring each bite is a little morsel of happiness.

Variations and Substitutions

For a twist, you can swap out some of the standard ingredients in the banana and coconut bread recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try replacing the coconut with chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.

Adding some chocolate chips or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can bring a whole new flavor dimension.

Flour Alternatives

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nuttier taste and a bit more texture.

For a gluten-free version, a mix of almond and coconut flour can work wonderfully.

Remember to adjust the liquid content to keep the batter moist and balanced.

Sweetener Swaps

Opt for maple syrup or agave instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.

You can also reduce the sweetener if you prefer a less sweet bread, allowing the bananas to naturally sweeten the loaf.

These tweaks can make the recipe uniquely yours while keeping it delicious!

How to Store Leftover Banana and Coconut Bread

Cool Completely

To keep your banana and coconut bread fresh, let it cool completely on a wire rack before storing.

Warm bread tends to trap moisture, which can make it soggy and less enjoyable the next time you eat it!

Cooling helps maintain its texture and flavor.

Wrap Tightly

Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

Keeping air out is key to preserving the freshness and slowing down the staling process.

You can also use aluminum foil for extra protection if you don’t have a container.

Storage Location

Store the wrapped banana and coconut bread at room temperature for up to two days.

For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator where it should last about a week.

If you need to keep it even longer, freeze the bread for up to three months.

Just make sure to wrap it tightly!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Selecting the right bananas is crucial for the perfect banana and coconut bread.

Using bananas that are not overripe can result in less flavor and moisture.

Make sure your bananas have those brown spots and are soft to the touch.

Measuring Ingredients Accurately

Always measure flour properly by spooning it into the measuring cup, then leveling it off.

Packed flour can lead to a dense, heavy bread.

The same goes for sugar and other dry ingredients — consistency in measuring is key.

Mixing the Batter

One big mistake is overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are combined with the wet ones.

Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough bread.

Overmixing can cause the gluten to develop too much, leading to a chewy texture instead of soft and tender.