Aunt Jan'S Banana Bread
A moist and flavorful banana bread with walnuts, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, offering sweet banana taste with a crunchy nutty texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Cream together the sugar and shortening until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift in the flour and baking soda, alternating with stirring in the buttermilk and mashed bananas.
- Stir in chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, try substituting half of the shortening with applesauce. You can also use whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If you don't have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar instead. Adding chopped walnuts enhances flavor and provides a nice crunch, but feel free to omit them for a nut-free version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the banana bread warm or at room temperature, possibly with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful breakfast or snack, try serving it alongside a Pineapple Thick Shake for a refreshing twist. It also makes for a great dessert option, especially when served with vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the banana bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it moist. You can also store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Jan'S Banana Bread contains roughly 672 calories, with 12g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 well in banana bread. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They tend to be sweeter and more flavorful, enhancing the overall taste of your bread.
How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?
The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. It should also have a golden-brown crust. If it's browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil.
Can I add other ingredients to customize my banana bread?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. Just keep an eye on the baking time if you add significant moisture from additional ingredients.
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).