**PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED-THANKYOU TO ALL OF THE WONDERFUL ENTRANTS! I WILL POST UP A SUMMARY SOON**
I was given this fantastic idea by airyfairy, she of the lovely cupcake site who suggested, after making 4 banana breads that it was time to do my first NQN event. I know, from everyone’s comments and from speaking to friends, that everyone has a fabulous banana bread recipe. In Australia, now is the best time to have bananas as they’re plentiful and cheap (anything is cheap compared to what we experienced a while back) and worldwide, bananas are an ingredient that are relatively easy to get a hold of. I just ask that you bake a Banana bread and one without frosting or elaborate decorations as once we get into cakes and frostings and decorations, it ends up less of a bread and more of a cake.
The rules are simple and you don’t even need a food blog, just bananas! 
1. Bake your banana bread and write it up on your blog with a picture.
2. email me at: info[at]notquitenigella[dot] com and include your name, blog name, blog URL and URL for the Banana Bread post. **Please do not forget to email me, otherwise your entry may not be included as I won’t know about it!**
3. Link back here to this story (and feel free to use the image on your blog)
4. I will reply to all entries so if you don’t hear back from me within 48 hours, please email me again.
If you don’t have a blog that’s fine, just send me your name, location, a picture and recipe. You can enter as many times as you’d like too-I know what it’s like when you have a kilo of ripening bananas and all you can think of is banana bread!
And since I think that good work should be rewarded, the prize for the best Banana Bread is a DIY cupcake set that I’ve put together featuring 25 mini pleated souffle cups (like the ones I used here), 12 royal icing flowers, a cake tester and sprinkles. Shipped to anywhere in the world!
Entries are due in just over a month on May 12th (midnight, Australian Eastern Standard Time)!
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84 Comments | Add your own
hip hip hooray for NQN! your first food blog event! congrats congrats…now to dig out that banana bread recipe!
I would like to offer my services as a judge
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honestly, for me, it would be easier to bake the bread and take it to you, than take a photo etc…. seeing that i don’t know how to load a photo and all the rest; i’m hoping that i will get around to it once i get around to getting a camera (yes, i’m a hopeless case).
unfortunately, i don’t see myself participating this time, as much as i would like to, as my tax is due around then (may 15th) and i haven’t started yet and i don’t know whether i’ll be done. perhaps the next bake off?
Hi airy fairy-Thanks so much for suggesting it! I hope that people enter, it’s like having a party and having no-one turn up
I can’t wait to see what you’ll bake!
Hi Cappucino-Somehow I knew you’d volunteer for the job
Hi lynn-Aww what a pity. But if someone can help you with the photos I’d love to see it! But yes tax time is the worst time of the year, something I need to contend with too
This is a great idea! Bananas are loved here in Brazil, and very common, too. And since you were very generous about the deadline (not to mention the prize!!!), I’ll be taking part in this event.
oohh I’ve never tried one of these events before…maybe I should start
I am sorely tempted to bake a few banana breads (I too have about 4 recipes) and dust off my never-used blog and post some photos. My kind childrena nd obliging colleagues would be happy to deal with the results, I’m sure …
Pondering …
Hi Patricia-So glad to hear that you’ll be taking part! I’d love to see what you make, your stuff looks fantastic!
Hi Alexandra-I was a bit apprehensive before I did my first event too but it’s fun and Banana Bread is a good thing to start with I think!
Hi Alison-The stars and planets are in alignment for you to make them. Bananas are plentiful and inexpensive and you have an eager crowd to feed your goodies to!
Hey Honey, this may be a atupid question, but does it have to be plain banana bread, or can it be banana and something bread?.
Kelsbels.
Hi Kelsbels-Not a silly question at all, you can definitely add other flavours or tastes into the banana bread. Looking forward to seeing what you bake!
Oh what a wonderful day! I have found a challenge I can take part in!!!
I will be bookmarking this place and baking up some bananas!
I do hope I can be as creative as possible. Hehe.
<33 Eunice
What if I have a prized-recipe already baked and already on the blog?
Do I need to re-bake and re-post or can I just re-post using the same recipe/photo for the event?
Oh! Thats a beautiful mouth watering loaf you have laid out! My daughter is sitting next to me and urging me to make something like that! I guess I am in for this challenge! Thanks to the blogging community for making me try recipes I normally wouldn’t!!
What a great event! Would banana muffins be considered acceptable? When I adapted my great-grandmother’s banana bread recipe for my son’s allergies (which includes eggs,) I gave up on a full size pan after the third concave loaf.
Hiya, I’m always making banana bread and made a Nigella version not too long ago- favourite thus far. Found out your event through someone else and already made something for the event.
Hope to have it posted at some point during the next couple of weeks!
Hi Eunice-Great! I’m glad to hear that you’ve got something creative in mind, I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Hi Carrie-Sure you can use it, just link to the BB event story and send me your details
Hi Harini-Thankyou so much!
Haha well with a request like that you’ll have to weave some banana bread magic! Am looking forward to seeing your Banana Bread!
Hi Libby-Thanks! Of course Banana muffins are fine-they’re just like Banana Bread but a more compact form aren’t they?
I’m looking forward to seeing something that is good for people with allergies 
Hi Pixie-That Nigella Banana Bread is a good recipe isn’t it! That’s the one in my main picture although I let mine be a bit “chunky” in texture with the banana and walnut so yours might look a bit different!
By the way, is it only banana bread or is cake ok?
Hi Eunice-Hmmm good question! I think it should probably be Banana Bread only as Banana cakes can involve all sorts of gorgeous decorations. However if it’s a Banana cake recipe baked into a loaf tin, that would be fine.
I just don’t want to give an unfair advantage to beautifully decorated cakes as some people have already baked their breads
I made the Nigella recipe without the raisins, I used half a cup of almond meal, half a cup of dessicated coconut and orange juice instead. It came out incredibly moist and was beautifully soft. Not the dense bready texture I was after but was a great cake. I am totally in for this bake-off!
Hi Maria-sounds like a great combo! I agree it’s more like a cake than a dense bread. I wonder what percentage of people prefer a dense loaf to a cake?
im going to partake in this – i love love banana bread…oh and baking too!
Hi Anastasia-That’s great to hear! So glad to hear that you’re going to join us
The banana bread that I’ve was more like a banana cake though it was baked in a loaf pan, with toppings. Is that possible for me to participate? Thanks
Hi Michelle-I think a lot of Banana breads are like Banana cakes but can I ask what sorts of toppings they are? Are they big, beautiful fondant toppings or more simple decorations like nuts or banana chips? I hate to turn anyone away but I worry that gorgeous fondant or sugarpaste will give an advantage and Banana Bread is usually a fairly plain looking item
Thanks for the quick reply. Really appreciate it. Yea, I’d agree with you. The toppings were caramelized walnuts, where it’ll be placed onto the cake/bread after all the baking is done.
Hi Michelle-The caramelised walnuts are absolutely fine (and sound delicious!) and thanks for asking. I can’t wait to see it, it sounds gorgeous!
Hi! I’m new here and loving your site. I love banana bread too and had written a post about it some time ago. Is it alright to send it as an entry even if it isn’t recent? I’d like to just change the photo though, I don’t like the one I used on that post.
Hi Christine-Thanks!
Although I’d love it if people baked one for the challenge, I’m already getting some entries that were baked previously. That’s fine, as long as you link it back to the story. Please email me the details with the photo you’d like to use 
I love this challenge! I’ve had ripened bananas in my freezer for awhile, so it’s the perfect time to pull them out and bake some bread! I know my boyfriend will be thankful to you for putting this one out there!
Hi Kate-That’s great, I can’t wait to see your banana bread (as well as your boyfriend I’m sure!
)
Hello NQN! I have a couple of bananas ripening in my fruit basket so I might have to make something this weekend and enter your bake off
Hi Kathy-I was hoping you’d take part! Are you going to do the one that you posted before?
Hi NGN!
I was so excited when I heard about your event through the nest. I have two banana bread recipes on my blog, but I really wanted to try a new recipe that includes a light glaze. Would that be acceptable? I really want to participate- but don’t want to bend the rules. I promise glaze in this case does not equal pretty and elaborate, only pure deliciousness
Hi Lindsey-glaze is perfectly acceptable, it sounds lovely! I can’t wait to see it
Banana Bread with Cinnamon, Pecan & Hazelnuts
Hi Rosie-Thanks for your entry
I’m in!
Hi Celine-Thanks for your entry!
I’m looking forward to everyone’s recipes… I have more bad bananas in the freezer!
Hi clevermonkey-I have a whole of them about to be shoved into the freezer myself. The recipes that I’m getting are quite fabulous and very innovative. I’m so impressed!
Gosh Lorraine, I missed this post because when I saw the pic of the banana bread I assumed it was the post where you baked several loaves of banana bread! It was scrolling through today that I noticed the two banana bread icons and I knew I hadn’t seen those before.. so I stopped and concentrated on the post!
Excellent! I’ve not been in a baking challenge before.. I may aswell give it a try hey?! I don’t even have a loaf tin anymore – I might need to go and get one! I appreciate the generous deadline too. Count me in!
Hi Maria-That’s great! I’m so glad you’re going to be a part of it. I’ve found my loaf pan gets a big workout so I’m sure you’ll get a lot of use out of a new one
Great event.
Hi Hélène-I hope you’ll join us perhaps if you have time!
This is fantastic. I actually got a bargin on 18 bananas for only £1 today at the market. I stumbled on your blogging event while looking for ideas of what to do with them. Thanks for hosting!
Hi Megan-Fantastic! Sounds like you’ve got all the makings of a great entry. Can’t wait to see your banana bread!
I’ve just emailed you my entry. Mom’s Banana Apple Bread.
Maria
x
Hi Maria-Thanks so much for your entry!
So I just realized the post i did for this is baked in a cake pan…but it really is a banana bread, it’s just since it’s healthy with no oil it cooks better in a cake pan then in a loaf… it dries out too much that way. Is it ok that way for the contest??
http://chefatwork.blogspot.com/2008/05/banana-nut-loaf-and-personal-note-of.html
Here you go!!
Hi Steph-Of course, that’s perfectly fine! The only thing I am just insisting on is no fancy decorations i.e. fondant or fancy shapes that turn things into cakes but baking it in a cake tin or muffin/cupcake tin is absolutely fine
Hi Raaga-thanks so much for your entry!
Hi girl! I emailed you my entry today…so please check to see if you got it:)
Thanks!
NQN-I emailed you my entry today. Thanks for all your hard work in putting this fun event on! http://ayankeeinasouthernkitchen.com/2008/05/02/coconut-banana-bread-with-key-lime-glaze/
Hi Mansi-Thanks, I got your entry! It looks great
Hi Kim-Thanks so much for your entry. Could you please link to the Banana Bread Bakeoff story itself? Just in case others want to enter it which they might after seeing your lovely banana bread
Hi there, I posted for the banana bread bake off. I sent an email, but haven’t heard back, not sure if I did the wrong email or not, and like a dork didn’t attach a pic to the email. So let me know if I need to re send the email or if you need a pic =)
Thanks!
I’ll be baking my bread on the weekend and intend to post it on Monday (since Sunday is Mothers’ Day in here, I don’t think I’ll be near the computer). One question, Lorraine: my Monday will be your Tuesday… Will you consider my post?
Thank you!
Hi,
I’ve tried to email my entry a few times and have never heard back. It can be found here…
http://mrsrodeba.blogspot.com/2008/04/banana-bread-bakeoff.html
Hi Tina-sorry this week is very busy. I got it and I sent you a reply
Thanks for your entry!
Hi Patricia-Of course! That is fine and thanks for letting me know and I hope you have a fun Mother’s Day!
Hi Robin-Thanks for letting me know. For some reason it was in my SPAM folder but that has all been rectified and I’ve added your entry. Thanks again!
I’m in. All info and links mailed today! Can’t wait to hear more about all the other recipes and entrants!
I’m in, I sent an email today.
Hi Sandie-I got it! I’m amazed at the variety of the entries!
Hi Ayin-I got it!
from someone who grew up from banana republic
i couldn’t miss this event..count me in!! one banana cake coming up!!
Hi dhanggit-I can’t wait to see your banana bread!
Hi NQN, Best of luck in choosing the winner. ** Pick me, pick me! **
Almost late!! Hopefully, I’ll get your reply, Lorraine.
Managed to post up my family’s favorite “Ma’s Banana Cake with Caramelized Walnut and Caramel Icing”. The other one was “Coconut and Banana Bread with Chunky Bananas”. Can’t wait for another event hosted by NQN.
Umm, sorry. Errors made. It should be Ma’s Banana Bread with Caramelized Walnut and Caramel Icing.
I just sent in my entry..it may be too late…I just saw this today and was making banana bread so thought AH HA how fun!!! But then had to go out for Mother’s Day etc etc..so just managed to email it now. Even if it doesn’t make it, it was fun!! I am so getting more bananas for trying other people’s recipes next week!
Hi Belle-Thanks for your entry, it looks great!
I think I might have to leave this to a public vote. It’s just too hard to choose!
Hi Michelle-Don’t worry you’re in time. Your breads look fabulous, good on you for baking two!
Hi Mara-No problems at all with the time and thanks for your lovely entry! I know Mother’s Day was a busy day for most people. You’ll definitely want to get some more bananas ripening and ready, the recipes are amazing!
Slipping in just under the wire (I hope)!!!
My entry is here:
http://bakersbakery.wordpress.com/2007/08/26/banana-cranberry-bread/
Also, I’m hosting a little “event” of my own here:
http://bakersbakery.wordpress.com/2008/05/09/ckc-may-give-away/
Thanks!
I emailed you.
Hi Carrie-Thanks so much for your fabulous entry! I hope to have a round up next week
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