Tangy Lime & Banana Loaf Recipe

Banana loaf has long been a favourite in many kitchens, and it’s the perfect way to use up those bananas that have ripened a little too much on the fruit bowl. In fact, some people deliberately wait for their bananas to soften just so they have the perfect excuse to bake one!

This version adds a refreshing twist with zesty lime, which lifts the sweetness of the banana and adds a delicious tangy flavour. The result is a wonderfully moist loaf with a subtle citrus kick that makes it even more irresistible.

Ingredients

• 125g butter or margarine, softened (plus extra for greasing)

• 75g caster sugar

• 75g soft brown sugar

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed

• 250g self-raising flour, sifted

• 1 generous teaspoon honey

• 1 generous teaspoon maple syrup

• ½ lime (the other half reserved for decoration)

For the Icing

• 100g icing sugar, sifted

• 1 teaspoon cold water

• ½ lime

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), Gas Mark 4 and grease a 1kg loaf tin.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and both sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

3. Add the beaten eggs and mix well.

4. Stir in the mashed bananas until fully combined.

5. Fold in the sifted flour and mix thoroughly, then add the honey and maple syrup.

6. Grate the rind from the lime and set aside.

7. Squeeze the juice from half the lime into the mixture and add half of the grated rind.

8. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 30 minutes.

9. Reduce the oven temperature to 150°C (300°F), Gas Mark 2 and bake for a further 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

10. Remove from the oven and allow the loaf to cool on a wire rack.

Decorating the Loaf

Once the loaf has cooled:

1. Mix the icing sugar with the lime juice and a teaspoon of cold water.

2. Adjust the consistency if needed so the icing can be drizzled over the loaf.

3. Drizzle the icing across the top and sprinkle with the remaining lime zest.

This banana and lime loaf is perfect enjoyed with a cup of tea, served as an afternoon treat, or shared with family and friends.