Banana Bread (Loaf)
A moist and flavorful banana bread with a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, appealing to banana lovers and those seeking a quick homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat shortening until creamy, about 1 minute at medium speed on mixer.
- Blend in sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs; beat well.
- Sift dry ingredients; add alternately with mashed bananas.
- Blend well.
- Grease the bottom of a 4 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Turn batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 60 minutes.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes.
- Turn onto a rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the shortening with unsalted butter. Make sure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness. If you want to add texture, feel free to mix in nuts or chocolate chips. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise, and you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy banana bread plain or spread with a bit of butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. For a decadent treat, serve with a scoop of ice cream on top. You can also consider serving it alongside a slice of Sylvia'S 2-Egg Coffee Cake for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Bread (Loaf) contains roughly 483 calories, with 0g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1116mg per serving (49% 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, you can use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This will help maintain the right consistency in your banana bread.
What can I do if my banana bread is too dense?
If your banana bread turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or using too many bananas. Ensure you mix just until combined and stick to the recommended amount of bananas for best results.
How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?
You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it's ready. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes.
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).