Banana Molasses Bread
A moist, flavorful banana bread infused with rich molasses and crunchy nuts, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert for banana lovers and those seeking comforting baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mash bananas until no lumps remain.
- Add the unbeaten egg and mix thoroughly.
- Beat in sugar, molasses, and melted shortening.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in the sifted dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in chopped nuts.
- Pour batter into a greased 8 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake in a 325°F (163°C) oven for about 1 hour until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness. To enhance texture, try incorporating oats or whole wheat flour at a 1:1 ratio with the white flour. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
This Banana Molasses Bread is delicious on its own, but can be served with a spread of cream cheese or butter for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a delightful twist, serve it alongside Easy Peach Pie for dessert or as part of a brunch spread featuring Baked Apple Pancakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Banana Molasses Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 300°F (149°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Molasses Bread contains roughly 265 calories, with 4g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of calcium (17% of the Daily Value) and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1232mg per serving (54% 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 whole wheat flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour in the recipe. This will add a nuttier flavor and additional fiber. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour can make the bread denser, so you may want to adjust the liquid slightly if needed.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it starting from the 50-minute mark to prevent over-baking.
Can I add other fruits to the bread?
Absolutely! You can add chopped apples, cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the sugar slightly if you’re adding sweet fruits to maintain the balance of flavors.
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).