Top pastry chef Antonio Benites, the man behind Marina Bay Sands' pâtisserie Origin + Bloom, shares his simplified version of this popular bake that even beginners can easily ace
As we continue to ride out the coronavirus pandemic in the safety of our homes, many home cooks are thinking of creatively delicious ways to keep themselves occupied, when they're not busy perfecting the art of making Dalgona coffee or trying out its the many flavours it can now be enjoyed with, and sharing pretty shots of their artful creations on Instagram.
Speaking of the social media trends, the go-to easy fix for novice and seasoned bakers these days is the simple banana bread, and home bakers can't seem to get enough of it.
Marina Bay Sands' pastry chef Antonio Benites, who trained under the likes of the late Joël Robuchon, believes the popularity of this humble treat is quite simply due to how uncomplicated the recipe is. "Banana bread is simple to make, and all the ingredients needed are accessible at the markets at an affordable price." In fact, he admits that he enjoys baking and enjoying banana bread at home, too. "It has a unique flavour that makes it a comforting treat to enjoy—even on its own," he adds, noting the following recipe is a great option if you're looking to practice your baking fundamentals.
If you want to spice it up a little, Benites suggests pairing it with your favourite fruit jams to add some sweetness and tang. Better yet, add a generous layer of chocolate spread because, as the chef puts it, "chocolate and bananas are known to be a timeless perfect match".