Banana Coffee Bread
Banana Coffee Bread muffins offer a delightful combination of sweet bananas, warm spices, and hearty bran, making them perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack. Their moist texture and rich flavor appeal to those who enjoy wholesome baked goods with a hint of cinnamon and molasses.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 3/4 cup mashed banana ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups flour ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups raw bran ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon light salt ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark molasses ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 cup nonfat milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Combine bran, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and raisins in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, beat together brown sugar, molasses, oil, egg, and milk.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just moist.
- Fill muffin tins two-thirds full of batter.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with applesauce. You can also use almond milk instead of nonfat milk for a dairy-free option. If you don't have raw bran, wheat bran or oat bran will work, though the flavor may vary slightly. Adding chopped walnuts can enhance the crunch and flavor profile. For extra sweetness, include more raisins or substitute with dried cranberries.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the banana coffee bread warm for breakfast or as a snack. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful dessert, top with a smear of cream cheese or a dollop of whipped cream. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal. This dish also makes a wonderful accompaniment to Jello Salad For Angels at brunch gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the banana coffee bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in an oven set to 350°F for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Coffee Bread contains roughly 508 calories, with 8g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1755mg per serving (76% 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 freeze the banana coffee bread?
Yes, you can freeze the banana coffee bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight or leave it at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both options will provide a similar texture and flavor, though butter will add a richer taste. For a healthier alternative, consider using applesauce or Greek yogurt in half the amount of shortening to reduce fat content.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The banana coffee bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the inside finishes cooking.
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).