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.

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