Donal Skehan Banana Bread – Easy Moist Loaf Recipe Guide

There’s something special about a banana bread recipe passed down through a family, and Donal Skehan’s version from his Auntie Ann has become a go-to for a reliably moist and easy loaf. His official recipe uses self-raising flour and butter for a tender crumb, and this guide covers everything from ingredients to chocolate chip twists.

Prep time: 15 minutes ·
Bake time: 1 hour ·
Servings: 8 ·
Key ingredient: Self-raising flour

Four key facts about Donal Skehan’s banana bread, one pattern: the recipe is built on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that anyone can adapt.

How to Make Donal Skehan’s Classic Banana Bread

1. Gather the ingredients

   • 175g butter, softened (Donal Skehan | EAT LIVE GO)
   • 175g caster sugar (Donal Skehan | EAT LIVE GO)
   • 2 eggs (Donal Skehan | EAT LIVE GO)
   • 3 ripe bananas (Donal Skehan | EAT LIVE GO)
   • About 100g self-raising flour (Donal Skehan | EAT LIVE GO)
   • 75g walnuts (optional) (Donal Skehan | EAT LIVE GO)
   • 1 tsp baking powder (Donal Skehan | EAT LIVE GO)

2. Mash the bananas

   Peel the bananas and mash them in a bowl with a fork until smooth but still a little chunky. Set aside. (Donal Skehan | EAT LIVE GO)

3. Mix wet and dry ingredients

   Cream the butter and sugar together until light and pale. Add the eggs one at a time, then fold in the mashed bananas. Sift the flour and baking powder over the mixture and fold gently until just combined. Stir in the walnuts if using. (Donal Skehan | EAT LIVE GO)

4. Bake and cool

   Pour the batter into a greased and lined 2lb loaf tin. Bake at 180°C (350°F, Gas Mark 4) for about 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. (Donal Skehan | EAT LIVE GO)

The steps are straightforward, ensuring even novice bakers can achieve a moist result.

How to Customize Your Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips or Peanut Butter

Chocolate chip banana bread

Donal Skehan’s Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe uses 100g butter, 75g caster sugar, 100g soft light brown sugar, 250g self-raising flour, 2 eggs, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, 3 large ripe bananas, 50g dark chocolate chips, and 100g walnuts. The method is similar: cream the sugars with butter, add eggs, then fold in the dry ingredients and chocolate chips. Bake at 180°C (fan 160°C) for about 1 hour in a 2lb loaf tin. (Donal Skehan | EAT LIVE GO)

Peanut butter banana bread

While Donal Skehan hasn’t published an official peanut butter version, you can easily adapt the classic recipe by swirling in 2 tablespoons of smooth peanut butter into the batter before baking. This adds a nutty richness that pairs well with the banana. No source is available for this variation, so adjust to taste.

These variations allow for personalization while maintaining the core recipe’s integrity.

How Many Calories Are in Donal Skehan Banana Bread?

The exact calorie count depends on the specific ingredients and portion size. Based on the classic recipe (butter, sugar, flour, eggs, bananas, walnuts), a rough estimate for one-eighth of the loaf is around 350–400 calories. For precise nutritional information, use a recipe calculator with your exact ingredients. (Donal Skehan | EAT LIVE GO provides the ingredient list for calculation.)

Serving size

The recipe yields 8 generous slices. If you cut smaller portions, the calorie count per slice drops accordingly.

Understanding the nutritional impact helps in planning indulgences.

Where to Find Donal Skehan Banana Bread at Dunnes Stores

Donal Skehan has a product range available at Dunnes Stores in Ireland, which may include pre-made banana bread or baking mixes. Availability varies by location and season. Check your local Dunnes Stores bakery section or the chilled dessert aisle. For the most accurate information, contact the store directly or visit the Dunnes Stores website. (No official source confirms current stock, so call ahead.)

Price

Pricing is not publicly listed. Expect it to be in line with other branded bakery items at Dunnes Stores, typically €3–€5 per loaf.

Availability and pricing are subject to local store policies.

What Are the Best Banana Bread Alternatives? Odlums, Neven Maguire, and Muffins

Odlums banana bread

Odlums, a traditional Irish flour brand, offers a classic banana bread recipe on its packaging. It typically uses plain flour with baking powder instead of self-raising flour, and often includes buttermilk for extra tenderness. No direct comparison with Donal Skehan’s recipe is available, but both are well-loved in Irish home baking.

Neven Maguire banana bread

Neven Maguire’s version, featured on his website, uses buttermilk and a higher ratio of sugar, resulting in a slightly sweeter, more cake-like texture. It also bakes at a lower temperature (160°C) for a longer time. (Donal Skehan’s recipe bakes at 180°C for 1 hour.)

Donal Skehan banana muffins

To make muffins, simply divide the classic banana bread batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes. This yields about 12 muffins. (Donal Skehan | EAT LIVE GO base recipe.)

Each alternative offers a distinct experience for different occasions.

This transparency helps readers make informed decisions.

“This banana bread is deliciously moist and extremely easy to throw together.”

— Donal Skehan, Donal Skehan | EAT LIVE GO

For home bakers in Ireland and beyond, the choice is clear: follow Donal Skehan’s classic recipe for a foolproof, moist loaf that honours a family tradition, or experiment with chocolate chips for an extra layer of indulgence. The recipe’s simplicity means you can have fresh banana bread on the table in under 90 minutes — and that’s a win for any baker.

Related reading: Auntie Ann’s Banana Bread · Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, this classic banana bread recipe offers a comprehensive guide to achieving a moist loaf.

Frequently asked questions

These answers address common queries, enhancing the baking experience.