Why Didn’t My Banana Bread Rise? | Top 6 Reasons

Banana bread will not rise if there is not enough baking powder, baking soda, if plain flour is used if the recipe specifies self-raising flour or if the batter is overmixed. Banana bread will stay flat if the oven is not hot enough or if it is not left to bake for long enough.

To make banana bread rise, add an accurate amount of baking powder and baking soda by using accurate measuring spoons. Sift it through the flour so that it distributes well and preheat the oven before putting your batter in.

This article will explore the top reason why banana bread doesn’t rise and what you can do to solve each one.

Top reasons why banana bread doesn’t rise

Check out the top reason why banana bread doesn’t rise.

1. Forgetting to add baking powder

The top reason why banana bread doesn’t rise is forgetting to add baking powder. Baking powder is the most common raising agent in banana bread.

If you forget to add baking powder to your banana bread it will not rise. Baking powder is basically sodium bicarbonate which will react with an acid when it is moistened in your banana bread releasing carbon dioxide and causing the banana bread to rise.

Without the baking powder the bread will not rise.

Remember to add the amount of baking powder specified in your recipe to your banana bread. Use measuring spoons if you have them and scrape the top of the spoon flat with a butter knife.

To distribute the baking soda evenly through the flour   

2. Forgetting to add baking soda

Baking soda is another common raising agent in banana bread and if you forget to add it the bread may not rise or it will not rise enough. Baking soda might be used in combination with baking powder or on its own.

Baking soda is essentially pure sodium bicarbonate. This is the same as baking powder, without the addition of an acid. It works to help banana bread to rise as it reacts with the acidic banana to release carbon dioxide.

Forgetting to add baking soda will give you flat banana bread so always remember to measure it out accurately and mix it through the dry ingredients.

3. Using plain flour instead of self-raising flour

Using plain flour instead of self-raising flour in your banana bread if the recipe specifies self-raising will make your banana bread flat. Some banana bread recipes will use the baking powder in the self-raising flour to help the loaf to rise.

This is often used in combination with some extra baking powder or baking soda. But if you forget to add the self-raising flour or use plain flour without a raising agent your banana bread won’t rise.

If you don’t have any self-raising flour you can still use plain flour, just remember to add ½ a teaspoon of baking soda for every cup of flour.

4. Overmixing the batter

Overmixing banana bread batter can give you flat and dense banana bread. Overmixing will remove lots of the air and it will develop the gluten giving you a tight and dense loaf. Overmixing the batter is more likely to happen if you use an electric mixer.

The best way to avoid overmixing is to mix the dry ingredients together first with a spoon in a separate bowl. You can then mix the wet ingredients together in another bowl with a spoon or electric mixier.

Bring the wet and dry ingredients together in a bowl with a metal or wooden spoon. This will keep the air in the mixture and help you to get a nice rise on your loaf.

5. The oven is not hot enough

Baking banana bread in an oven that is not hot enough will stop it from rising well. Most banana bread recipes cook anywhere from 45-60 minutes. The banana bread will usually rise in the first 30 minutes and then crust over and cook through.

If the oven is not hot enough the loaf will not enough before it forms a crust. If the oven is not hot enough the banana bread can stay undercooked in the middle and sink once it is taken out.

Setting the oven to the correct temperature is essential. Preheat a fan forced oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Once it has reached this heat, pop the banana bread batter in the center of the oven.

6. Not leaving the banana bread in the oven for long enough

If the banana bread is not left in the oven for long enough it may not completely rise. Taking it out too soon will leave the center undercooked, the baking soda or powder will not fully activate and it can sink when it is taken out.

Most banana bread recipes will take at least 45 minutes to cook, all the way up to 60 minutes. Test the bread by poking a skewer in the middle after around 40-45 minutes. Put the bread back in the oven for another 5 minutes checking each time until it has cooked through.

Tips to help your banana bread to rise

Check out my top tips to help your banana bread to rise perfectly every time.

  1. Sift your baking powder or baking soda in to the dry ingredients to distribute it evenly.
  2. Measure the raising agents like baking soda or powder accurately with a measuring spoon.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients together first to avoid overmixing.
  4. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together with a spoon until the flour just disappears.
  5. Preheat the oven to the correct temperature.
  6. Cook the banana bread until the batter has set all the way through.

Why Didn’t My Banana Bread Rise? | Summary

Banana bread needs the right amount of raising agent to rise properly. Without it you will get flat and dense banana bread. Measure the baking soda or powder accurately, mix it through the flour and gently mix the wet ingredients together with the dry. Bake the banana bread in a preheated oven and leave it in there until it has cooked through.

Happy cooking.