Mini Loaves

Mini tea cakes and banana bread

Finding quick, nourishing snacks that both adults and kids will love can feel like a challenge. Supermarket shelves are stacked with processed bars, biscuits, and packaged treats, but making your own does not need to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can create delicious snacks that are naturally sweet, full of fibre, and free from unnecessary additives.

Here are two of my go-to recipes. Both are simple, family-friendly, and perfect for lunchboxes, after-school treats, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Mini Banana and Dark Chocolate Chip Loaves

Mini Banana Bread

These mini loaves are soft, moist, and packed with banana flavour. Using coconut oil keeps them dairy-free, and the dark chocolate chips make them just indulgent enough while still being balanced.

Ingredients (makes 4 mini loaves):

• 100g melted coconut oil

• 100g caster sugar

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 2 large eggs

• 140g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 50g dark chocolate chips

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F.

2. Lightly grease 4 mini loaf tins.

3. Mash bananas and stir in coconut oil, sugar, and eggs.

4. In another bowl, mix flour and baking powder. Fold into the wet ingredients.

5. Stir in the chocolate chips and divide between the tins.

6. Bake for 20 minutes, until golden and a skewer comes out clean.

7. Cool slightly before transferring to a rack.

   
   

Irish Brack (Barnbrack) Mini Loaves

A modern take on a traditional Irish favourite, these fruit-packed loaves are naturally sweetened with tea-

Mini Barnbrack

soaked dried fruit. They are a great way to enjoy something wholesome with a cup of tea, and children enjoy the naturally chewy texture.

Ingredients (makes 4 mini loaves):

• 375g mixed dried fruit

• 275ml strong black tea

• 225g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp mixed spice

• 1 egg, beaten or Vegan alternative: 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)

• 1 tsp almond essence

Method:

1. Soak the dried fruit in tea overnight.

2. The next day, stir in egg (or flax egg), flour, spice, and almond essence.

3. Grease 4 mini loaf tins and divide the batter.

4. Bake at 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F for 20 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean.

5. Cool slightly before removing from tins.