Cherry-Banana Bread
Cherry-Banana Bread offers a moist, flavorful treat with the sweetness of ripe bananas and tart dried cherries. Its tender crumb and warm spice notes make it perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, appealing to fruit lovers and those seeking a comforting homemade loaf.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, with electric mixer, combine butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg; add flour mixture and mashed bananas alternately to butter mixture, mixing just until ingredients are moistened.
- Do not overmix.
- Fold in dried cherries.
- Pour batter into a greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Best served the day after baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar or adding a pinch of cinnamon alongside the nutmeg. If you don't have dried cherries, you can substitute them with dried cranberries or raisins. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and moisture. Remember not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry-Banana Bread makes a delightful breakfast or snack. Serve it with a dollop of cream cheese or a smear of butter for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a special touch, try serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cherry-Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a toaster oven until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry-Banana Bread contains roughly 661 calories, with 5g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1157mg 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 fresh cherries instead of dried?
While fresh cherries can be used, they will add more moisture to the batter and may require adjustments in baking time. If you do use fresh cherries, be sure to pit and chop them, and consider reducing the mashed bananas slightly to maintain the right consistency.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Cherry-Banana Bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. Additionally, you may want to add a binding agent like xanthan gum, following the package instructions for the best results.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can enhance the flavor of your Cherry-Banana Bread by adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. A splash of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of orange zest can also brighten the bread's flavor profile. Explore variations by incorporating spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a unique twist.
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).