Banana Lemon Tea Bread

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist and flavorful lemon banana tea bread that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, its tender crumb and citrus aroma make it a delightful treat for all banana and lemon lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup oleo
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas
  • 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh lemon rind

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl with a mixer at low speed, beat oleo until creamy and add sugar.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Blend in mashed bananas and lemon juice, then add to the banana mixture.
  4. Stir in grated lemon rind.
  5. Pour batter into a greased pan.
  6. Bake at 325°F for 1 hour.

Tips & Substitutions

For an even richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar, which adds a hint of molasses. If you don't have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled juice, but fresh is always best for flavor. Make sure your bananas are very ripe for optimal sweetness. You can also add walnuts or chocolate chips for a delightful twist, similar to what you might find in Chocolate Caramel Layered Bars.

Serving Suggestions

This Banana Lemon Tea Bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Serve it with a dollop of cream cheese or Marie'S Carrot Spread for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or coffee. For a more decadent option, try it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the Banana Lemon Tea Bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Banana Lemon Tea Bread contains roughly 274 calories, with 5g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), potassium (12% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1477mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).

274 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.6g 9% DV
Total Fat 3.2g 4% DV
Carbs 59.6g 22% DV
Fiber 2.9g 10% DV
Sugar 7.7g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1476.6mg 64% DV
Potassium 547.4mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 117.5mg 39% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 30.2mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 16.3mg 18% DV
Calcium 114.6mg 9% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This can enhance the moisture content of your bread, resulting in a deliciously moist texture.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this Banana Lemon Tea Bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Additionally, check the baking soda and other ingredients to confirm they are gluten-free.

What can I do if I don't have enough lemons for juice?

If you're short on fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. Typically, 1 tablespoon of bottled juice is equivalent to the juice of half a lemon. Just remember that fresh lemon juice provides a brighter flavor, so use it if possible.

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).

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