It’s clearly a disappointment when this happens, but can you fix dry banana bread?
Banana bread is supposed to be lovely and moist, so why does it sometimes turn out dry?
Is there anything you can do once the bread is cooked, or is it too late?
Can you make anything else from dry banana bread?
How can you stop it from happening again?
Let’s see what we can find out about your unwanted dry banana bread!
If the banana bread has come out dry, there are two options to rectify it. The first is to use sugar syrup. Add equal amounts of sugar and water to a pan and warm through. Poke holes in the banana bread with a skewer and pour the syrup over the top to moisten it. Store it in an air-tight container afterward. The second option is to place the banana bread under a damp kitchen towel to encourage the escaping steam to moisten the bread as it cools. But this does need to be done as soon as the loaf comes out of the oven.
Is It Possible to Fix Dry Banana Bread?
Just when you were expecting a lovely, moist loaf, your banana bread has come out dry!
Is there anything you can do to fix it, or will be thrown out for the birds to eat?
Luckily, there are a couple of options you can try.
The first one is a bit more time-consuming but could be worth it.
It involves making sugar syrup, but this is easier than you might think.
Just add equal measures of water and syrup to a pan and gently warm it.
While you are waiting, use a toothpick or a skewer to poke some holes in the banana bread.
This will encourage the syrup to penetrate further.
Next, simply pour the syrup all over the banana bread.
Once cooled, make sure you store it in an airtight container.
The second method is easier, but you do have to do it as soon as your banana bread comes out of the oven.
You just need to put a damp kitchen towel over the loaf.
As the bread cools, it releases steam, and you are trying to trap this steam under the towel.
This should hopefully add some moisture to the banana bread.
What Can You Do with Dry Banana Bread?
So, if you have tried to rescue your dry banana bread, but it hasn’t worked, what else can you do with it?
It seems a bit unappetizing just to eat it as it is.
Perhaps you are a fan of ice cream or sundaes?
You can chop up the banana bread and use it as a topping.
In fact, you could put the cubes of bread in the oven first for a few minutes to make them even drier and crunchier!
Toasted banana bread is always a good standby as a snack or for breakfast, and it won’t matter that it was dry in the first place.
Top with cream, maple syrup, or hazelnut spread for an extra treat!
What Made the Banana Bread Dry?
Of course, you want to stop this from happening again, so what made the banana bread dry anyway?
The simplest explanation is that there has to be enough moisture in the mix.
The ratio of ingredients has to be correct.
The number one culprit responsible for dry banana bread is flour.
If you add too much flour or the wrong type of flour, the loaf will nearly always turn out dry.
For the best results, use all-purpose flour and weigh it carefully according to the recipe, don’t just guess!
Try and avoid using high-protein flour.
It will typically contain more gluten, adding to the risk of dry banana bread.
Why is My Banana Bread Dry?
Final Thoughts
Dry banana bread can be rectified by the use of a sugar syrup that needs to be poured over it.
Another method is to cover the bread with a damp cloth to trap steam as it cools to moisten the bread.
If neither of these options works, use the banana bread for toast instead.
To stop it from happening in the future, always measure the flour carefully and ensure there is enough liquid in the mix.
Don’t worry; dry banana bread is not the end of the world!
In fact, I have more advice on increasing the moisture in banana bread.