Banana Bread Deluxe
Delicious banana bread with walnuts offering moist texture and rich banana flavor, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, appealing to all banana lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs, beating well.
- Add dry ingredients alternating with buttermilk and mashed banana.
- Add walnuts.
- Bake in a large greased loaf pan at 350°F for at least 60 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the shortening with unsalted butter. If you don't have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. To prevent overmixing, add the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with the wet ingredients. This banana bread pairs beautifully with Creamy Vegetable Salad for a delightful brunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this banana bread with a spread of butter or cream cheese for added richness. It makes a great breakfast option or snack, and you can enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful dessert, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serving it with Lime Pineapple Pretzel Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Bread Deluxe contains roughly 438 calories, with 6g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1063mg per serving (46% 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! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This will ensure your batter doesn't become too watery. Frozen bananas often have a more intense flavor, which can enhance your banana bread.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you don't have walnuts or prefer a different nut, pecans or almonds are excellent substitutes. You can also omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version or replace them with chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?
To check if your banana bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, it's ready. If there's wet batter on the toothpick, bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically.
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).