How do you stop the bread from cracking?

Answer 1

The banana bread top splits as it rises, which is a good thing, it's suppose to do that for better results.

If you want a cake or bread that does not split there are several possible causes to check:

* dry mixture: try less flour or more liquid

* fast cooking: try a lower temperature and a longer time

* deep or small baking dish: try a larger or shallower dish to spread out the batter * dry oven: add a pan of water to another shelf to evaporate steam into the oven

* over mixed batter: stir in flour by folding and stop as soon as mixed * edges cooking first: try a glass or pottery dish rather than metal, or line the sides with several layer of paper, or use Magi-cake strips to slow the cooking at the edges.

Answer 2

Yeast bread, oil or butter the top before the final raise. Quick breads are a little harder to control. Make sure the sides of the pans are greased. As the bread rises it drags on the sides of the pan and pulls the top apart. A slightly cooler over may help also.