Banana bread will sink in the middle if it is not cooked all the way through. This can happen if the oven has not preheated or if it is not left in the oven for long enough. Adding too much baking soda or baking powder can make it rise too much which can cause it to sink once it has been taken out of the oven.
This article will explore the top reasons why banana bread sinks in the middle and how you can stop each one from happening.
5 Reasons why banana bread sinks in the middle
Check out the top reasons why banana bread sinks in the middle and how to stop it.
1. Not cooking the batter all the way through
The top reason that banana bread will sink in the middle is if the batter is not cooked all the way through. If the oven is too cool or is not preheated then it may not cook all the way through.
If the banana bread is put into an oven that has not fully heated up then it will be blasted with hot air. This will cause the outside to cook fast and a crust to form. This will mean that it may look cooked on the outside before the center cooks.
Banana bread can take up to an hour to cook fully in a properly heated oven.
2. The oven is too cool
Cooking banana bread in an oven that is too cool will take too long too cook through. The outside will dry out and crust over before the center is cooked. This will cause it to sink when you take it out.
I like to cook banana bread in an oven around 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. This will help to make the outside brown while cooing it all the way through in around 50 minutes.
Use a skewer to check if it is cooked all the way through before taking it out.
3. The oven is too hot
Strangely cooking banana bread in an oven that is too hot can cause cause it to sink once you take it out. Cooking banana bread in an oven that is too how will cause it to rise too quickly and brown on top before it cools all the way through.
4. Adding too much baking soda or baking powder
Adding too much leavening agent can cause the banana bread to sink in the middle. Adding extra baking soda will cause it to rise rapidly and then sink back down in the oven. The air will not be trapped and instead will escape out the top and the bread will not rise.
Measure the baking soda or baking powder correctly. Mix them through with the other dry ingredients like flour to make sure it has been mixed evenly.
5. Adding too much mashed banana
Adding too much mashed banana can make the banana bread too wet and will not rise properly. The ideal amount is to add around 2 medium, ripe mashed bananas.
I like to mash the banana in a separate bowl and add it in with the other wet ingredients.
4 Easy Tips to stop banana bread sinking in the middle
Check out my favorite tips for stopping your banana bread from sinking in the middle. Follow these steps and you should have perfect banana bread every time.
1. Add 2 mashed ripe bananas
Adding 2 medium mashed bananas will be the perfect amount to avoid the mixture from becoming too wet. This will allow the bread to rise and stay there.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Preheating the oven to 350 degrees is a great way to make sure the bread rises and cooks through. Most banana bread recipes will cook through within 45-60 minutes.
3. Cook for 45 minutes and then test with a skewer
It is essential to make sure the banana bread has fully cooked through before taking it out of the oven. Cook it for at least 40 minutes and then test it with a skewer.
Make sure the skewer comes out clean when you poke it in the middle. Check that is no batter on the skewer.
4. Add the right amount of baking soda or baking powder
Measuring the baking soda or baking powder accurately is essential. Use proper measuring spoons and scrape the teaspoon or ½ teaspoon off with a knife to flatten it.
Mix the baking soda and baking powder thoroughly with the dry ingredients. Try sifting the baking powder and flour together to get it mixed through well.
Reasons Why Banana Bread Sinks in the Middle | Summary
Banana bread can sink in the middle if it is undercooked. IF the batter has not completely set in the middle then it can sink as soon as the bread has been taken out of the oven. Make sure the oven has fully heated up and you have added the right amount of baking powder.
You should get a perfectly risen banana bread every time.
Happy cooking.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.