Banana bread should rise to up to 1/3 higher than the original batter level. The banana bread will rise 1-2 inches after the full cooking time of 45 minutes to 1 hour. The raising agents in banana can be baking soda, baking powder or self-raising flour.
To get banana bread to rise perfectly make sure you measure out the the baking soda or baking powder accurately mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and thoroughly and bake the banana bread in a preheated oven.
Banana bread can rise above the edge of the pan but if you line the pan properly with baking powder it will be easy to lift out and remove.
6 Ways to make banana bread rise perfectly
These ingredients are the keys to making your banana bread rise.
1. Baking soda
Baking soda is a common ingredient added to banana bread to help it to rise. When it reacts to an acidic ingredient like mashed banana then it will release gases and cause the bread to rise. Most recipes will include ½ a teaspoon of baking soda to give the banana bread enough lift.
2. Baking powder
Baking powder is another ingredient that is common in banana bread. It is usually used instead of baking soda. Baking powder is the same as baking soda but includes an acid, usually tartaric acid which helps it to rise.
Adding too much baking powder can cause the banana bread to rise too much, adding less will give you a flat and dense bread.
3. Self-raising flour
Some banana bread recipes will include self-raising flour. Self raising flour is basically plain flour with added baking powder. This will give the bread rise.
Just adding self raising flour on its own is usually not enough to get the bread to rise. Instead it will usually be combined with ½ a teaspoon of baking soda or powder to give the bread extra lift.
4. Mixing the ingredients lightly
Another essential process to get the banana bread to rise properly is to gently mix the ingredients. Overmixing can cause the gluten to develop in the flour and will stop it from rising properly.
I like to mix my banana bread with a metal spoon to avoid overworking it. Using a mixer can quickly cause the batter to stiffen and reduce the amount that it rises.
5. Preheat the oven
To get banana bread to rise properly it is essential to preheat the oven. Make sure that you preheat the oven. This will give the banana bread the best chance to rise properly before a crust is formed over the top.
If the crust is formed too quick the banana bread can crack on top or not rise well.
6 Reasons why banana bread does not rise and how to fix it
Here are the top causes of banana bread not rising 1-2 inches and how you can fix each one.
1. Not measuring the baking soda or powder
The most common reason why banana bread does not rise properly is forgetting to add baking powder or baking soda or not measuring it properly. Not adding enough
The difference between ¼ to ½ a teaspoon will change the amount the bread rises by a lot. Check the recipe to see what is recommended. If the recipe includes both baking soda and baking powder with self-raising flour all of these need to be in the right proportions.
2. Not sifting the baking soda or powder
It is essential to sift the baking soda or powder to make sure it incorporates evenly throughout the bread. If it stays in a clump, then the banana bread will not rise evenly. It can even make the banana bread taste acidic.
3. Not cooking the banana bread all the way through
If banana bread is not cooked all the way through, then it will not rise properly. Most banana bread will take from 40 minutes to an hour to cook at a moderate temperature. If the banana bread is not cooked all the way through, then it can sink in the middle.
It is best to check the middle with a skewer and if it comes out clearly then it is ready to come out of the oven.
4. Not adding enough mashed banana
If you are using baking soda then it will need an acid to react with. Banana provides the acid that cases the baking soda to react. Not adding
If you don’t have enough banana, you can add ½ of a teaspoon of tartaric acid or cream of tartar.
5. Using plain flour instead of self-raising flour
If the banana bread recipe asks for self-raising flour then you can’t just use plain flour. If you want to swap plain flour in, then just add ½ a teaspoon of baking powder. This will help the banana bread to rise as it should.
It is best to mix the dry ingredients together first, that way you can incorporate the baking soda evenly,
6. Overmixing the batter
Overmixing the banana bread batter will cause it to become dense and not rise properly. Using an electric mixer is a quick way to overwork the flour will develop the gluten and make the bread dense.
For the banana bread to rise properly, mix the dry ingredients together gently with a spoon. Mix the wet ingredients together in a separate bowl and then mix both the wet and dry ingredients until they have just combined.
How Much Does Banana Bread Rise? | Summary
Banana bread should rise 1-2 inches if the ingredients are added in the right amounts and mixed gently. Remember to preheat the oven to make sure the banana bread rises. Cook it until a skewer comes out cleanly from the middle and it rise and not drop.
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.