You’re probably one of the many banana bread lovers out there who’s confused about what classification this baked good falls under. So, is banana bread a dessert?
While there are reasons some might exclude it from the dessert category, there are other signs that say it’s indeed a dessert. So overall, the answer can be yes or no, depending on how it’s served.
To get you out of the confusion zone, let’s shed light on what banana bread is all about!
What Is Meant by Dessert?
First things first, let’s figure out the standards that make food a dessert.
By definition, dessert is usually a sweet course eaten at the end of every meal. The serving, textures, and forms may vary from one culture to another, but primarily, desserts are classified as:
- Cakes
- Fruits
- Frozen desserts
- Puddings and custards
- Biscuits
- Gelatin desserts
- Pastries
- Chocolate and candies
Why Is Banana Bread a Dessert?
While many believe that banana bread isn’t a true dessert, there are some critical points that you have to look at:
1 – It’s Sweet
Sweet taste is one fundamental aspect of any dessert.
In this case, you don’t even need to doubt it; banana bread is loved by many because of its delicious and sweet taste.
2 – The Order of Serving Checks Out
While it’s true that banana bread is common with breakfast and snacks, it’s also served as a dessert to conclude the meal.
Banana bread is, therefore, a classic dessert that goes along well with many main courses.
3 – Experts Say It’s a Cake
Banana bread, though missing the frosting, is technically a cake.
Don’t just take our word for it. This claim has been confirmed by baking experts like Paul Hollywood and accepted by many.
Since cake is a dessert, we can say that banana bread, too, falls under this classification.
4 – The Key Ingredient Is a Fruit
Banana bread is made up of ripe bananas, toasted walnuts, and tangy-sweet raisins. The banana fruit, one of this recipe’s main ingredients, is considered a type of dessert.
For one, it goes into many other dessert recipes, including cream pie, cookies, bars, trifles, and much more!
What Are the Different Ways to Use Banana Bread as a Dessert?
Banana bread is a great dessert suitable for any casual occasion. You can bring it to the dining table or present it as a snack for small hangouts with friends, family gatherings, and picnics.
You can’t lock banana bread in a box. Not when there are a lot of exciting and mouth-watering dessert ideas you can try!
Here are the highlights:
- Banana bread as French toast
- Cheesecake-filled banana bread
- Banana bread as a chocolate cheesecake Swiss roll
- Banana bread ice cream cake
- Chocolate fondue in a banana bread boat
Although banana bread offers a great taste, side dishes such as fresh citrus fruits, dark chocolate, jam, and yogurt can add to the overall supremacy of this dish.
What Are the Benefits of Serving Banana Bread as a Dessert?
It’s no secret; dessert makes you feel satisfied after eating.
Of course, banana bread can make a humble meal way better, but it offers more than that. While some desserts can ruin your health and diet plans, banana bread, with the right ingredients, can do the opposite.
Here are the benefits you can get from banana bread:
1 – Nutritional Boost
Our star bread, with banana as the key ingredient, is also a source of potassium. That’s why it can be good for the cardiovascular system.
It can also give you a decent dose of protein to help with growth and muscle recovery.
2 – Good for Your Bowels
Banana bread has a soft texture and is quite easy to digest.
3 – Diet-Friendly
With the proper alteration of ingredients, banana bread can be suitable for people with diabetes. Not only that, but it can also be a good fit for vegans and those on a diet.
Final Thoughts
So, is banana bread really a dessert? A whole lot of signs support classifying it under dessert recipes, from the sweet taste to the order of serving.
All in all, banana bread, when served as the last course of the meal, is ultimately a dessert.
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.