Sticky Toffee Banana Bread is the perfect marriage of two beloved treats—soft, ripe banana bread studded with sweet, chewy dates and generously drenched in a rich, buttery toffee sauce. Its golden crust contrasts beautifully with the moist, flavorful crumb inside, making every bite a comforting delight.
This loaf is ideal for cozy mornings, afternoon tea, or as a decadent dessert. The toffee sauce not only adds a luscious sweetness but also a glossy finish that makes this simple loaf feel like a special occasion. Whether you serve it warm or at room temperature, this sticky toffee banana bread is sure to become a favorite staple in your baking repertoire.
Full Recipe:
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225g ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
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175g self-raising flour
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1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
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115g unsalted butter, softened
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175g light brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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150g chopped dates
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75ml boiling water
For the toffee sauce:
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100g unsalted butter
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175g light brown sugar
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150ml double cream
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1 tbsp black treacle or molasses
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin with baking parchment.
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Pour the boiling water over the chopped dates and leave to soak while you prepare the batter.
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Mash the bananas in a large bowl.
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Sift the flour and bicarbonate of soda into the banana mixture and stir to combine.
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In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
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Fold the date mixture (including the soaking water) into the butter mixture, then carefully fold in the banana and flour mixture.
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Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Meanwhile, make the toffee sauce: melt the butter in a saucepan over a low heat, then add the sugar, cream, and treacle. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
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Once the banana bread is out of the oven, prick all over with a skewer or fork and pour over about half of the toffee sauce. Allow the sauce to soak in while the bread cools.
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Serve slices of the banana bread drizzled with the remaining warm toffee sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 350 kcal per slice | Servings: 8 servings
Introduction to Sticky Toffee Banana Bread
Sticky Toffee Banana Bread is a decadent twist on the classic banana bread recipe, combining the moist, naturally sweet flavors of ripe bananas with the rich, indulgent goodness of sticky toffee sauce. This recipe elevates a simple quick bread into a luscious dessert or a special treat perfect for any time of day. The fusion of soft banana bread texture with chewy dates and a sticky, buttery toffee drizzle creates an irresistible balance of flavors and textures.
Banana bread itself is a beloved comfort food, known for being simple, quick to make, and a great way to use up overripe bananas. When sticky toffee sauce—made from butter, brown sugar, cream, and treacle—is introduced, it adds depth, sweetness, and a luxuriously sticky finish that transforms the bread into something truly special. The combination honors both traditional British sticky toffee pudding and classic American banana bread in one delightful loaf.
The History and Origins
Banana bread gained popularity in the United States during the 1930s, especially as baking soda and baking powder became widely accessible. It was an economical way to use overripe bananas instead of wasting them. Over time, it evolved into many variations, including nutty, chocolate-studded, or spiced versions.
Sticky toffee pudding, on the other hand, is a British dessert dating back to the mid-20th century, particularly popular in England and Scotland. The pudding consists of moist sponge cake made with finely chopped dates, served hot with a sticky toffee sauce poured over. The dessert became an iconic staple for its rich, comforting qualities.
Sticky Toffee Banana Bread marries these two traditional favorites, blending the American quick bread style with the warm, decadent qualities of British sticky toffee pudding. This fusion makes it a fantastic choice for those who appreciate classic comfort foods but want something a little more special and indulgent.
Flavor Profile and Texture
The flavor of Sticky Toffee Banana Bread is a harmonious mix of sweet and buttery notes. The bananas provide a natural sweetness and moist crumb that melts in your mouth, while the dates add bursts of chewy richness. The toffee sauce contributes a deep caramel flavor with hints of molasses (from the treacle), balancing the sweetness with a touch of complexity.
Texture-wise, the bread is soft and tender, almost cake-like, with the date pieces adding a slightly sticky, chewy contrast inside. When you drizzle the warm toffee sauce on top, it seeps into the loaf, making every bite luxuriously moist and sticky, with a golden, slightly crisp crust on the outside. This contrast between the tender crumb and sticky surface is what makes this recipe stand out.
Ingredients That Make It Special
Several key ingredients contribute to the distinctive character of this banana bread. First, the use of ripe bananas ensures maximum natural sweetness and moisture, making the loaf soft and flavorful without requiring excessive sugar. Chopped dates soaked in boiling water soften and plump up, imparting a caramel-like richness and a pleasing texture contrast.
The self-raising flour and bicarbonate of soda work together to give the bread a light rise, creating an airy crumb without making it too dense. Brown sugar adds a deeper sweetness than white sugar alone, enhancing the toffee notes. Butter enriches the bread, while eggs bind the ingredients and add structure.
The sticky toffee sauce is made with butter, light brown sugar, double cream, and black treacle or molasses. This sauce is what takes the banana bread to the next level, adding a glossy finish and a luscious, sticky sweetness reminiscent of caramel but with more depth.
Variations and Customizations
Sticky Toffee Banana Bread is wonderfully versatile and can be easily adapted to suit personal preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can swap the dates for other dried fruits such as raisins, chopped figs, or apricots to introduce different textures and flavors.
If you prefer a nutty twist, chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the batter, giving a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft bread and sticky sauce. For a chocolate lover’s version, mix in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top alongside the toffee sauce.
For those looking for a vegan adaptation, you can replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil, use flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) instead of chicken eggs, and swap the double cream for coconut cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously moist and sticky.
Serving Suggestions and Occasions
Sticky Toffee Banana Bread works beautifully as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert. Its rich flavors make it perfect for cozy weekends or special occasions like birthdays, tea parties, or holiday gatherings.
Serve it warm with extra toffee sauce drizzled on top, accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For a lighter touch, a simple spread of butter or mascarpone complements the bread’s sweetness beautifully.
It’s also an excellent portable snack—easy to slice and pack for picnics, lunchboxes, or coffee breaks. Its comforting flavors evoke a sense of home and warmth, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Health Considerations
While Sticky Toffee Banana Bread is undeniably indulgent, it does incorporate wholesome ingredients like bananas and dates, which add natural sweetness and nutritional benefits including fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. However, due to the added sugar and butter, it is best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack.
Portion control is key to balancing enjoyment and health; a modest slice can satisfy sweet cravings without overindulging. You can also experiment with reducing sugar or substituting some ingredients to make it lighter, but the classic recipe’s richness is part of its charm.
Tips for Perfect Results
For the best outcome, use very ripe bananas that are heavily speckled or even turning brown. This ensures maximum flavor and natural sweetness, which cuts down the need for extra sugar.
Soaking the chopped dates in boiling water softens them and prevents dry bits in the bread, ensuring every bite is luscious. When mixing the batter, fold ingredients gently to avoid overworking the flour, which can make the bread tough.
Pricking the bread with a skewer after baking and pouring the toffee sauce on top allows the sauce to seep deeply into the loaf, creating that signature sticky texture. Serving the bread slightly warm enhances the sauce’s gooey richness.
Conclusion
Sticky Toffee Banana Bread is a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort classics—banana bread and sticky toffee pudding—resulting in a rich, moist loaf bursting with flavor and texture. This recipe is perfect for those who want a simple yet indulgent bake that feels like a special occasion treat without too much fuss.
With its moist crumb studded with sweet dates and a glossy, buttery toffee sauce, this bread is a crowd-pleaser for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave something sweet and satisfying. The recipe’s versatility allows for plenty of variations to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences, making it a fantastic addition to any baker’s repertoire.
Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of ice cream or simply as is with a cup of tea, Sticky Toffee Banana Bread offers cozy comfort and decadence in every bite.
