Banana Bread(Best)
A moist, flavorful banana bread with walnuts, perfect for breakfast or snack, combining ripe bananas, sweet sugar, and a hint of vanilla for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, shortening, eggs, and vanilla in a mixing bowl.
- Alternate adding flour and salt with sour milk and soda, mixing well.
- Fold in bananas and chopped walnuts.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan lined with wax paper on the bottom.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or more until tests indicate doneness.
- Let the bread set on a rack for 15 minutes before removing from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter works well as a substitute. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped walnuts. This banana bread can be made in one bowl to minimize cleanup, similar to the method used in One-Step Chocolate Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve banana bread warm or at room temperature for breakfast or as a snack. It pairs beautifully with butter or cream cheese spread on top. For a delightful dessert, enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside Alaska Wild Berry Cobbler. A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the flavors perfectly.
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 it for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast them lightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Bread(Best) contains roughly 227 calories, with 4g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 696mg per serving (30% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. Consider using a mix of both for a lighter result. Additionally, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
What can I do if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?
If your bananas are still firm and not fully ripe, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag at room temperature. Alternatively, you can bake the bananas in their skins at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes until they are dark and soft, allowing them to cool before using.
Can I add other ingredients to the banana bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your banana bread by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also try incorporating nuts or seeds for added texture, making it a great way to enjoy variations similar to Date-Carrot Bread.
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).