Banana Holiday Bread
A moist, flavorful banana bread studded with candied fruit, raisins, and nuts, perfect for breakfast, snack, or holiday gatherings, offering a delightful mix of sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and salt until fluffy.
- Mix in half of the flour.
- Add mashed bananas and milk, blend well.
- Stir in remaining flour, candied fruit, raisins, and nuts.
- Turn into a greased 9x5x3 inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60-70 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you want a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of shortening. Make sure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness. If you don't have mixed candied fruit, you can use dried cranberries or cherries for a similar texture and taste. This recipe is inspired by classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of banana holiday bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a spread of cream cheese or butter. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. This bread also makes a delightful addition to a holiday brunch spread alongside dishes like One Hour Cinnamon Rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Wrap the banana holiday bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Holiday Bread contains roughly 372 calories, with 5g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value), potassium (15% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1145mg per serving (50% 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! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This can actually enhance the flavor since the bananas become sweeter as they freeze.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Alternatively, almond flour or coconut flour can work, but adjustments in the liquid may be necessary for proper texture.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips would make a wonderful addition. Just fold in about 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips along with the fruits and nuts for a delicious twist on the classic 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).