The Additional Fruit You Should Add To Improve The Flavor Of Banana Bread

How to make this tip work for you

Incorporating this tip is as easy as adding some finely grated orange zest or freshly squeezed orange juice directly into the batter or as a topping. Just remember to strain the juice first—no one wants seeds in their banana bread! If you prefer, you can also use store-bought orange juice, though it might impart a slightly different taste. When zesting, be careful to avoid the pith, as this bitter white layer between the zest and the fruit can ruin the flavor.

This is also a great chance to think about other ingredients you might want to add to your banana bread. If you haven't tried chocolate yet, now is the perfect time to do so—orange and chocolate is a classic flavor pairing that rivals banana bread itself and can also create delicious cookies. Consider mixing in some chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled loaf. Additionally, you might want to sprinkle in a bit of clove, nutmeg, or cinnamon, all of which complement the flavors of orange and banana beautifully. To elevate your banana bread even further, think about garnishing it with candied orange peel (orange peel cooked and coated in sugar) or brushing a simple syrup made from equal parts orange juice and sugar over the warm bread. A touch of marmalade could also be a delightful addition.