Banana bread can still be gooey in the middle after an hour if the oven temperature has been set too low, too high, if the bananas are under ripe or there is not enough baking soda. Put the banana bread back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes and test it again with a skewer to check that it is cooked through.
This article will explore the top 3 reasons why banana bread stays gooey in the middle and what you can do to fix it.
3 Reasons Why Banana Bread Stays Gooey in the Middle
If your banana bread is gooey and mushy in the middle, there are three main reasons this has happened, and they are:
1. Bananas are not ripe enough
Banana bread can be gooey in the middle if you have used bananas that aren’t ripe or soft enough. This affects the way they mix with the rest of the ingredients.
2. Not enough baking powder
Banana bread that does not have enough baking powder will not rise enough. This can lead to the bread becoming dense and still gooey in the middle.
3. Your Oven Is Too Hot
Banana bread tastes best when it’s baked at a low temperature for a longer period of time. Most recipes for banana bread suggest baking the bread at 320 Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) for 45-50 minutes in a fan forced oven.
If the oven is too hot the banana bread can get hard and cooked on the outside while the middle will stay gooey.
Reduce the temperature of your oven by 5-10 degrees if this happens to help the banana bread to cook through.
3. Overmixing the Ingredients
Overmixing the ingredients is a very common reason why banana bread turns out gummy and mushy in the middle. When you overmix your ingredients, the gluten strands become longer. This is actually good for certain types of bread, but not for banana bread.
Most banana bread recipes require that you merely “mix the ingredients until they’re combined,” and no more. This will avoid overmixing and causing the center to become dense.
How Long Banana Bread Takes to Cook
Banana bread can take from around 30 minutes to an hour and 20 minutes to finish baking, depending on the ingredients and the temperature of the oven.
I find that my banana bread always takes 45 minutes. If your oven seals well and is fan forced you can usually reliably predict the cooking time.
Best Temperature and Oven Settings to Cook Banana Bread
The best temperature for cooking banana bread in a fan forced oven is 320 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). This will ensure the middle is cooked through after around 45-50 minutes.
For a non-fan forced or conventional oven, cook banana bread at 355 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius.
How to Fix Gooey Banana Bread
If you notice a gooey or mushy center in your banana bread, you have a few options to remedy the situation.
First, try reducing the temperature of the oven and baking the bread an additional 10 minutes.
If this doesn’t work you can cut the banana bread in slices, place it on a lined baking tray and toast it for 10-15 minutes.
Next time you make banana bread remember:
- Use the exact amount of ripe bananas; if your bananas are large, you can use one less than the recipe requires.
- Make sure you add enough flour.
- Set the temperature correctly aim for 320 degrees Fahrenheit for a fan forced oven.
Here is a great video that shows you how you can save gooey banana bread.
How to Know If Banana Bread Is Undercooked
The easiest way to know if banana bread is undercooked is to insert a skewer into the center. If it comes out cleanly then the banana bread is cooked. If the is uncooked batter on the skewer, then put the banana bread into the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
When banana bread is done just right, it will have a golden brown crust. Another way to test the bread and make sure it is not undercooked is to press the top of the loaf with a finger then immediately release. If it bounces back without leaving a dent, it is done to perfection.
If it does not do that, then the bread is likely undercooked. You can sometimes put it back in the oven if it’s undercooked, but make sure you place foil on the top of the bread to avoid the top burning.
Can You Re-Bake Undercooked Banana Bread?
If you decide to place your undercooked banana bread back in the oven, you’ll have to be very careful about how much longer you bake it.
Check the bread every 5-10 minutes, preferably without opening the oven door (use the oven light instead). If the top starts turning too brown, you can lower the temperature of the oven and cook it a little longer. If you’ve already let the bread cool off and you’re getting ready to share it with others, it might be a little difficult to do this correctly.\
Should Banana Bread Be Wet in the Middle?
Banana bread should not be wet in the middle. Instead, it should be light and fluffy with an even color and texture. While you can sometimes remedy this situation, other times it’s impossible. The best thing to do is figure out what you did wrong so you can correct the mistake next time.
Conclusion
Several things can make banana bread gooey, but this is usually the result of using underripe bananas, setting the oven to the wrong temperature or overworking the mixture. Measure each ingredient carefully and adhere to the baking times.
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.