Black Walnut Gift Loaf
A moist and flavorful banana loaf studded with crunchy black walnuts, perfect for gifting or a delicious snack with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Mix sugar, shortening, and eggs; beat until light and fluffy.
- Add mashed bananas and stir to combine.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and soda; stir into the banana mixture, beating until smooth.
- Add chopped black walnuts to the batter and fold in.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the loaf on a wire rack before removing from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have black walnuts, pecans or regular walnuts can be used as substitutes. Ensure your bananas are overripe for maximum sweetness and moisture. To save time, you can mix the dry ingredients in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to use.
Serving Suggestions
This Black Walnut Gift Loaf is delightful when served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying breakfast or snack. It also makes a lovely dessert when accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Aunt Fan's Cookies during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled loaf wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice off what you need and warm it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Walnut Gift Loaf contains roughly 266 calories, with 4g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% 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 other types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute black walnuts with pecans or regular walnuts if preferred. Each nut will impart a slightly different flavor, but they all work well with the banana base. Just be sure to chop them coarsely before adding to the batter.
How can I tell when the loaf is done baking?
To check if the loaf is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the loaf is ready. If the toothpick comes out wet with batter, continue baking, checking every 5 minutes until it is fully baked.
Can I make this loaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! This loaf can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature. The flavors often improve as it sits. Just make sure to wrap it well to keep it fresh. For longer storage, it can be frozen and thawed before serving.
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).