Banana Bread(2 Loaves)
Moist and flavorful banana bread with warm spices, nuts, and raisins, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting to banana lovers and bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together margarine, sugar, and eggs until well combined.
- Set aside the creamed mixture.
- Sift together flour, salt, soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Stir in mashed bananas, nuts, and raisins.
- Pour batter into two greased and floured loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister banana bread, use very ripe bananas. If you're out of margarine, you can substitute with unsalted butter or even applesauce for a lighter option. To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract. If you prefer a sugar-free version, check out our Sugar-Free Banana Loaf recipe for alternative sweeteners.
Serving Suggestions
Banana bread is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a spread of butter or cream cheese for added richness. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack. It also makes a great base for a dessert topped with ice cream for a fun twist. For more sweet options, browse more American recipes.
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 to revive its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Bread(2 Loaves) contains roughly 307 calories, with 5g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), calcium (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 556mg 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 well in banana bread. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This will help maintain the right consistency in your batter.
What can I substitute for nuts if I have allergies?
If you have nut allergies, you can simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can also add a nice texture and flavor.
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 of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's ready. Baking times can vary, so start checking around the one-hour mark.
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).