Aunt Dorothy'S Banana Bread
A moist and flavorful banana bread featuring ripe bananas, subtle vanilla, and optional nuts for added texture. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it offers a comforting aroma and sweet taste that appeals to all ages. Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins and ideal for using overripe bananas.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shortening and sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla and mashed bananas.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Optional: fold in nuts.
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from pan and slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister banana bread, ensure your bananas are very ripe; the darker the peel, the better. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. Additionally, for a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or using half whole wheat flour. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas, which are perfect for baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally spread with butter or cream cheese for extra richness. This banana bread pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful breakfast, enjoy it alongside yogurt and fresh fruit. You can also serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a versatile addition to your dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast slices in a toaster for a warm treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Dorothy'S Banana Bread contains roughly 399 calories, with 2g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value) and calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 544mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work great in banana bread! Just thaw them first, mash them well, and drain any excess liquid. This can add moisture to the bread, but make sure they're fully thawed to maintain the right texture.
How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?
The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Can I add other ingredients to this banana bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or spices like nutmeg. You can also fold in chopped nuts for added texture. This recipe is quite forgiving and allows for various mix-ins.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).