Family Recipe's: Julie's Banana Bread

Following the sweet success of our debut recipe, we’re delighted to continue our Family Recipes series with another comforting classic straight from one of our colleague’s kitchens. This time, Julie shares a beloved banana bread that has been baked, enjoyed, and perfected over many family gatherings. It’s the kind of recipe that fills a home with warmth long before it even leaves the oven—simple, familiar, and endlessly comforting.

Whether you’re looking for a cosy weekend bake, a treat to share with colleagues, or just a delicious way to use up ripe bananas, Julie’s banana bread is a true crowd-pleaser. We hope it brings the same sense of nostalgia and welcome to your table as it does to hers.

Julie's Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 8 oz self‑raising flour
• 4 oz softened butter
• 5 oz caster sugar
• 1 lb Fairtrade bananas, peeled and mashed
• (If using frozen bananas, defrost and drain off excess liquid)
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 8 oz mixed dried fruit (e.g., giant mixed berries and cherries)

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4.
2. Grease and line a loaf tin. Use a 2lb or 500g loaf tin.
3. Add the flour, butter, sugar, mashed bananas, salt, and eggs to a large mixing bowl.
4. Mix everything together until well combined.
5. Stir in the mixed dried fruit.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and level the top.
7. Bake for around 1 hour, or until a skewer/knife inserted into the centre comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled it's time to enjoy!