Monday 23 May 2011

Banana and Passion-Fruit Loaf

Banana loaf, bread, cake or muffins normally feature quite a bit in my baking repertoire but it's been a while since my last banana bake. I have recipes that I revisit time and time again which will always remain my favourites. However, I am always on the hunt to try out new and exciting recipes! This Banana and Passion-Fruit Loaf is another delicious installment from my new cookbook Weekend Baking. I knew the moment I came across this recipe that it was a winner and would be absolutely amazing and it is! The banana and passion-fruit combination is the perfect marriage of flavours, that brings a tropical twist to the classic banana loaf. My only disappointment which is not the fault of the recipe, is that my icing was too runny and I should have added more icing sugar. If your looking for a recipe to use up those ripe bananas in your fruit bowl then look no further, this recipe is the one!


Banana and Passion-Fruit Loaf

Serves 8-10

Ingredients
225g self-raising flour
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
100g butter, softened and cubed
175g caster sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 passion fruit
3 very ripe bananas

To decorate:
100g icing sugar
1 passion fruit
dried banana slices, to decorate

2lb loaf tin, lightly buttered and base-lined with baking parchment.

Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/350F/Gas 4.

Sift the flour and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl. Put the butter and sugar in an electric mixer and beat until pale and fluffy. Add the beaten eggs and sifted flour mixture alternately to the bowl.

Halve the passion fruit and scoop out the pulp into a sieve over a bowl. Using a teaspoon, press and stir the pulp to extract the juice. Discard the leftover seeds. Peel and mash the bananas. Add the passion fruit pulp and mashed banana to the cake mixture and mix again.

Tip the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes, or until golden and risen. Leave to cool in the tin.

To decorate, sift the icing sugar into a small bowl. Halve the passion fruit and scoop out the pulp into the bowl - no need to sieve the pulp this time. Mix together with a teaspoon. The icing sugar will seem stiff at first, but persevere until is thoroughly mixed. If the glaze still seems a little thick, add a drop or two of cold water - the consistency of the glaze will depend on the size of the passion fruit and how ripe it is. You want the glaze to be a thick, spreadable consistency.

Tip the cold loaf out of the tin and peel off the base paper. Spoon the glaze over the top of the loaf and decorate with dried banana slices. Leave to set for about 30 minutes before slicing.

14 comments:

Anna said...

It's funny, I used to haaaate bananas, but I love them in baking now! I've never tried them with passion-fruit before, but I'm definitely tempted...

Unknown said...

That looks seriously good, I love a cake with icing dripping down the sides and I've not come across banana and passionfruit together - I bet they're a fabulous match!

Finla said...

Just made this weekend a loaf with passion fruit icing from another blog. This looks so so yumm too.

Please Do Not Feed The Animals. said...

I love your icing dripping down the sides. Somehow it makes a cake look like more of a decadent treat! This looks wonderful!

Please Do Not Feed The Animals. said...

I love your icing dripping down the sides. Somehow it makes the cake look even yummier.

Rag Doll Cupcakes said...

That looks absolutely delicious hon!! Am very tempted to top my next batch of banana cupcakes with passionfruit. :) xxx

LF said...

That looks gorgeous and naughty with the icing! Also a while since I've made banana bread and I've got loads of recipes bookmarked. Made banana waffles the other day... dont think I will do it again lol Though the kids didnt complain :)

Nic said...

Oh wow! What a great combination, I would never have thought to add passion-fruit - looks wonderful.

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

I've just came across your blog via "Cookies and Cakes and all things baked." It's 11:00 a.m. in the U.S. and now all I want is one of your desserts and a cup of tea - I haven't had breakfast yet! I've just been drooling over your baked goods. LOL!!! I love this banana and passion fruit loaf!

Please stop by when you have a moment, I'll give you some of my recently posted banana bread, I love company and new Friends are always welcome!

Mary

AliceBakesCakes said...

This looks incredibly delicious, anything with dribbling icing has got to be good!

Gloria Baker said...

And love passion fruit loaf! gloriaxx

Choclette said...

That does sound like a winner. I love passionfruit. It looks to have a really nice texture and the drips down the side are a lovely addition. If you're looking for more banana recipes there are a couple in the roulade round-up I'll be posting sometime this weekend.

katescakesandbakes said...

Banana and passion fruit? What a winner of a combination! I've just been really enjoy reading through all your posts, and I LOVE that you have over 200 cookbooks!

autovit said...

Oh my God it looks so delicious and personally i love bananas, i will try this recipe for sure. Thanks a lot for sharing it with us.