Banana Cranberry Bread
A moist banana cranberry bread with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, perfect for breakfast or snacks, offering a delightful blend of fruity and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water in a pan; cook 5 minutes and add cranberries.
- Cook 5 minutes longer, then cool and drain.
- Cream shortening with remaining sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift dry ingredients together; add chopped walnuts.
- Add to creamed mixture alternately with mashed bananas, beating well.
- Fold in 1 cup cranberries.
- Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist banana cranberry bread, ensure your bananas are very ripe. You can substitute shortening with butter or coconut oil for a richer flavor. If you want to reduce sugar, try using applesauce to sweeten naturally. For an extra texture, consider adding oats or swapping walnuts for pecans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve banana cranberry bread warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It pairs beautifully with Cheddar Whipped Potatoes for a hearty meal or can be enjoyed as a snack with a cup of tea. Consider serving alongside fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for a week. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or toast slices for a warm treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Cranberry Bread contains roughly 383 calories, with 5g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1573mg per serving (68% 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 cranberries in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing them first. Just add them directly to the mixture. They may release more moisture, so ensure to adjust the baking time if necessary.
What can I do if I don't have walnuts?
If you don't have walnuts, you can substitute with any other nuts like pecans or almonds, or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version. You can also add chocolate chips for a different twist.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the bread is done. If there's wet batter, bake for an additional 5-10 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).