Banana-Bran Bread
A moist, hearty banana-bran bread with walnuts and ripe bananas, perfect for breakfast or snacks, offering a wholesome flavor and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thoroughly grease a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan with solid vegetable shortening.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter or margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mash the ripe bananas and add to the wet mixture.
- Stir in the whole bran cereal and chopped walnuts.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. If you don't have whole bran cereal, you can substitute with oat bran or wheat bran. For a healthier twist, replace half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Banana-Bran Bread and serve it plain or spread with a little butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad for a delightful brunch option. For added texture, sprinkle with toasted coconut or additional chopped walnuts.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Banana-Bran Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave slices for a few seconds to enjoy warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana-Bran Bread contains roughly 831 calories, with 12g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1751mg per serving (76% 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 well in this recipe. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They should be very soft, making them easy to incorporate into the batter, ensuring a moist and flavorful bread.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your bran cereal is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. You may need to adjust the baking powder amount slightly for best results.
How can I make this bread vegan?
To make this Banana-Bran Bread vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), and use vegan butter or margarine. The bananas add enough moisture and sweetness, ensuring your bread remains delicious and fluffy.
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).