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Banana Bread Mini Loaves
Of all the quick breads in the world, I don’t know that there is one more universally pleasing than banana bread. The smell of a loaf of banana bread baking engenders the happiest soul-soothing feelings.
And many banana bread and muffin recipes are similar. Hell, many are the same. But that’s quite all right.
Basic Banana Bread
Because you may tweak the proportions a bit, but with some eggs, sugar, flour, and fat in the form of butter or ghee or oil, or dairy (or more than one of the above), and a group of over-ripe bananas, you are going to end up with something well worth the small amount of effort involved, and that will endear you to friends and family, all around.
If I can think of something more guaranteed to be worth your while than a muffin or a quick bread, I will let you know.
Mini Banana Breads
So when I found the world’s most adorable mini loaf pan at the flea market I go to almost every Sunday during the summer, 8 2 x 4-inch loaves all nestled into one single baking tray, I did not even think to negotiate the $2 price tag. I grabbed, and I ran. So now I get to make 8 recipients happy for the price of one recipe. (You can also find a similar loaf pan on Amazon.)
Disposable Mini Loaf Pans
There are also quite a nice array of little paper mini-loaf (and muffin/cupcake) pans available. If you don’t have one of these pans, you can still make the little guys easily, using these disposable mini loaf pans. I like this brand a lot. Do give them a spray with nonstick spray or if you’re feeling industrious a light swipe of softened butter.
You’ll be filling the little loaf tins quite full, and then you will get that pretty browned crown.
Each mini is about the size of two muffins, so you can share with a friend, or you can decide that you deserve two muffins in the form of a mini banana bread loaf. Serve them up with butter or jam or any preserves that you like .
If you can have at least one still warm from the oven, plan to make that happen.
The Cutest Mini Banana Bread Loaves: Cute as a button and perfect for sharing, great for stashing in the freezer. Also a great holiday gift.
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Gifting Banana Bread
Wondering who to give these to? Here’s a list of possible recipients. Or bring them to a work, a PTA meeting, your kids’ soccer game, or your book club. Wrap them in plastic wrap, or parchment paper, and tie them with a pretty ribbon if you want to make them extra gifty.
Some people may see browning bananas. I see a mini banana bread loaves about to be born. (Geez, what a dork.)
Other Banana Recipes:
- Banana Bread with Chocolate and Crystallized Ginger
- Banana Bread Pudding
- Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Chocolate Banana Cake
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Mini Banana Bread Loaves
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 super ripe bananas
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F, and lightly and oil 8 (2×4-inch) mini loaf pans.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. Place the bananas in another large bowl and mash them well with a whisk or a potato masher or a fork. Add the brown and granulated sugars and the melted butter and beat with an electric mixer or a whisk until well blended (there will be little bits of banana that don’t get perfectly smooth). Beat in the eggs one at a time, and then beat in the vanilla. Add the dry ingredients, switch to a spoon, and stir just until the flour is incorporated.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into the tins (they will be fairly full), and bake until a wooden skewer inserted into the middle of the mini loaves comes out clean, about 25 to 28 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes in the tins on a wire rack, then turn the little loaves out onto the rack to finish cooling. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Disposable Mini Loaf Pans
There are also quite a nice array of little paper mini-loaf (and muffin/cupcake) pans available. If you don’t have one of these pans, you can still make the little guys easily, using these disposable mini loaf pans. I like this brand a lot. Do give them a spray with nonstick spray or if you’re feeling industrious a light swipe of softened butter. You’ll be filling the little loaf tins quite full, and then you will get that pretty browned crown.Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How would you freeze them, any certain way to wrap them?
I would wrap each loaf in plastic wrap and then slide them into a freezer proof zipper top bag, label it, press out any excess air and then freeze the loaves for up to 4 months!
I have 5x 3/4 inch pans.How much batter do I put in the pans ? & how long do I cook them
I think you will be able to get about 5 of those size loaves, and I would bake them for 35 to 45 minutes, util a wooden toothpick or skewer comes out clean. the loaf pans should be filled pretty full, so if you only get 4, then stick with 4!
I have a question, what does the vanilla extract add to the banana bread. I’ve honestly never used vanilla so I’m curious how it changes the flavor.
it just provides a depth of flavor to the batter – it’s used in many baking recipes, from banana bread to chocolate brownies – you’ll definitely notice the difference!
I was very happy with this recent, it was easy and delicious
Great recipe that I made with my daughter this morning. Made these in a mini cupcake tray. My son ate two at a time! Will be making again soon. Thank you!
Could this recipe be baked in a 9×13 pan?
I’ve never tried it but it surely can – start checking it for doneness at 30 minutes!
Hi Katie, I’m going to try your Banana Bread recipe and I hope they come out right. I have the 8 mini loaves pan so I’m making some with nuts and some without nuts. A friend of mine gave me 40 bananas so I’m making a lot of loaves. Have a great rest of year.
that is a lot of mini loaves! your friends are about to be very lucky!
Can you use any banana bread recipe ?
yes, you could!
How do you package these for individual gifting? Just put them in clear cellophane bags? Need ideas.
yes, I usually put them in cellophane bags and tie them with a pretty ribbon! You can also use cellophane paper and tie them up with ribbon like a little gift.
Followed directions and measurements exactly, resulted in only 6 half-filled mini tins. Tastes delicious but will make 2 batches next time.
you may have larger mini loaves than the size called for in the recipe – they can vary!
I was the opposite. Have filled up 12 and still have more mixture! I’m sure my tin is pretty small. No complaints though… they will disappear in no time!
I absolutely love this recipe! I like making these all year. During the holidays I always roast pecans and I always add some to this recipe. I love gifting these almost as much as I love eating these!