Banana Bread(Guatemalan Banana Bread)
Guatemalan Banana Bread offers moist, flavorful slices infused with cinnamon, allspice, lime zest, and ripe bananas, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert for banana lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups mashed bananas
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lime peel ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lime juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the bottom of a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan or two 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pans.
- Mix all ingredients and beat for 30 seconds until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s).
- Bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean (70 to 80 minutes for the 9-inch pan or 55 to 60 minutes for the smaller loaves).
- Loosen the sides of the loaf from the pan and remove from the pan.
- Cool completely before slicing.
- Wrap and refrigerate if storing for more than a week.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist banana bread, ensure your bananas are overripe with lots of brown spots. You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. If you prefer a nutty flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. For a different spice profile, try replacing cinnamon with nutmeg. Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this Guatemalan banana bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of cream cheese or a smear of butter. For a delightful breakfast, enjoy it alongside your favorite coffee or tea. You can also serve it with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal. This banana bread is perfect for brunch or as an afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm each piece in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Bread(Guatemalan Banana Bread) contains roughly 378 calories, with 6g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1203mg per serving (52% 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 perfectly in this banana bread. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They will provide the same sweetness and moisture as fresh ripe bananas.
How can I make this banana bread gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly depending on the blend you use.
What can I add to this recipe for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or even shredded coconut. These additions will give a unique twist to the traditional banana 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).