Banana pandan bread is a beloved treat across Southeast Asia. This aromatic quick bread combines the comforting flavor of ripe bananas with the distinct grassy aroma of pandan. What makes banana pandan bread so special is the interplay between the sweet banana base and the floral pandan extract. The pandan imparts a bright green color and an exotic twist to the classic banana bread. It’s a wonderful melding of Asian and Western flavors.
Banana pandan bread is considered a nostalgic treat across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It often makes an appearance at family gatherings and celebrations. The sweet, soft bread evokes memories of childhood and brings people together.
Benefits Of Banana Pandan Bread
Here are some of the main benefits of banana pandan bread:
- Moist and soft texture – The bananas provide moisture while the pandan leaves give the bread a soft, almost cake-like texture.
- Natural sweetness – Ripe bananas have a sweet flavor that allows you to cut back on added sugars. Pandan also has a subtle sweetness.
- Nutritious – Bananas provide fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, and other nutrients. Pandan leaves add antioxidant properties.
- Tropical flavor – The combination of banana and pandan creates a lovely tropical flavor and aroma. Pandan is commonly used in Southeast Asian baked goods.
- Easy to make – Banana pandan bread is simple to make with basic ingredients like bananas, flour, eggs, vegetable oil, pandan extract or leaves, and leavening agents.
- Versatile – This type of bread makes a great snack, breakfast, or dessert. It can be enjoyed plain or topped with cream cheese frosting or other accompaniments.
- Gluten-free option – For people avoiding gluten, banana pandan bread can be made using gluten-free flour instead of regular wheat flour.
Ingredients For Banana Pandan Bread
Making banana pandan bread requires just a handful of ingredients, some of which give this bread its distinctly Asian character.
The main ingredients are:
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1⁄4 cup coconut milk
- 1⁄4 cup palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pandan extract or 3 pandan leaves, chopped
- 11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Pandan extract can be found in Asian groceries, specialty baking stores, and online. If using fresh pandan leaves, chop them very finely before adding to the batter. Palm sugar is available at Asian groceries and imparts a lovely caramel flavor, but you can substitute brown sugar.
Measurements are given in both volume (cups, teaspoons) and weight (grams). You can use either measurement system successfully. Weighing the ingredients on a kitchen scale promotes the most consistent results.
Instructions For Banana Pandan Bread
Preparing this bread is straightforward with just a few simple steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan with butter or line with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. Whisk in the coconut milk, palm sugar, and pandan extract.
- In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the egg and melted butter to the banana mixture. Whisk briefly to combine.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula just until blended. Avoid over-mixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 55-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove from pan and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Be careful not to over-mix the batter once the dry ingredients are added, as this can result in a dense bread. Gently stir just until there are no more dry flour streaks.
Tips Baking Banana Pandan Bread
Follow these tips for perfect banana pandan bread every time:
- Greasing the pan well prevents sticking. Parchment paper also makes release easy.
- The bread is done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- For best flavor and texture, allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
- Store bread at room temperature wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. Refrigeration extends shelf life for 5 more days.
- Banana pandan bread is excellent plain, but you can also top slices with butter, cream cheese, coconut flakes, or chocolate drizzle.
- Substitute 1 teaspoon pandan extract with 2 teaspoons matcha powder for green tea banana bread.
- Swap 1/2 cup of the flour with oat flour or almond meal for variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of bananas?
Very ripe, spotted bananas with brown skins work best. Underripe yellow bananas won’t provide enough sweetness or moisture.
What is pandan extract, and where can I find it?
Pandan extract is distilled from pandan leaves and imparts vibrant green color and grassy, floral flavor. Find it in Asian groceries or online.
Are there other popular desserts using pandan?
Pandan is used in kaya coconut jam, pandan chiffon cake, pandan waffles, and cucur pandan coconut pastries.
How does banana pandan bread compare to traditional banana bread?
Banana pandan bread is moist and fragrant like typical banana bread, but the pandan gives it an aromatic, exotic twist.
Conclusion: Banana Pandan Bread
Banana pandan bread brings together comforting banana flavor with the unique taste of pandan in one irresistible quick bread. With just a few ingredients and easy instructions, anyone can make this flavorful favorite at home. The sweet, soft bread makes a thoughtful gift, or slice some for breakfast. Let the exotic aroma transport you as you enjoy a slice of banana pandan bread. I hope you’ll find immense joy in baking this classic Asian treat. Share your creations and experience with me.
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