Description

This Mincemeat Banana Bread combines the moist sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, spiced flavors of traditional mincemeat. Enhanced by warming mixed spices and a luscious whipped cinnamon honey butter, this loaf offers a deliciously festive twist on a classic banana bread, perfect for teatime or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread

150g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for the tin
90g caster sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
150g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp mixed spice
2 ripe bananas (200g), peeled and mashed
150g mincemeat (ensure it’s vegetarian, if needed)

Whipped Cinnamon Honey Butter

100g salted butter, softened
2 tbsp honey
2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the oven and tin: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4. Butter a 900g loaf tin thoroughly and line the base and sides with baking parchment to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and caster sugar together with an electric whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates the mixture, helping the bread rise.
Add eggs and flour: Gradually whisk in the beaten eggs to keep the mixture smooth, then fold in half of the self-raising flour carefully.
Combine remaining dry ingredients and flavorings: Gently fold in the remaining flour, baking powder, mixed spice, mashed bananas, and the mincemeat into the batter. Mix just until combined to maintain a tender crumb.
Bake the bread: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf tin. Place in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top darkens too fast, loosely cover with foil.
Cool the bread: After baking, leave the bread to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
Make the whipped cinnamon honey butter: Using an electric whisk, beat the softened salted butter with honey and ground cinnamon until the butter turns pale and fluffy, creating a smooth, spreadable topping.
Serve and store: For best taste, toast slices of banana bread and spread with the whipped cinnamon honey butter while warm. Store the bread in an airtight container for up to three days and keep the whipped butter chilled for up to five days.

Notes

For a sweet and salty twist, add some salted caramel sauce to the whipped butter before serving.
Ensure the mincemeat is vegetarian-friendly if required to align with dietary preferences.
If bananas are very ripe and sweet, consider reducing sugar slightly for a balanced sweetness.
Baking time may vary depending on oven type; check doneness with a skewer after 50 minutes.
This bread is excellent toasted and served with cinnamon honey butter but also delicious on its own.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British

Keywords: banana bread, mincemeat, festive bread, cinnamon honey butter, spiced banana loaf, vegetarian banana bread