Dad'S Banana Bread
A moist, flavorful banana bread packed with ripe bananas, pecans, and vanilla, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, appealing to banana lovers and bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add sugar and oil together and set aside for a few minutes.
- Add the eggs and mashed bananas to the sugar and oil mixture.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture along with the milk and vanilla, then mix well.
- Fold in the pecans.
- Divide the batter evenly into two greased and floured loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Check the center; if it looks raw, bake for an additional 10 minutes or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness. Mixing the batter too much can lead to tough bread, so fold until just combined. For added moisture, you can incorporate a bit of yogurt or sour cream into the wet ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dad's Banana Bread warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a pat of butter or a spread of cream cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful twist, try it alongside a scoop of Black Walnut Ice Cream for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
After cooling, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or toast it for a warm treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Banana Bread contains roughly 1103 calories, with 10g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (33% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2291mg per serving (100% 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, drain excess liquid, and mash them before adding to the mixture. This can enhance the banana flavor and moisture in the bread.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make a healthier version, reduce the sugar by half and substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also add oats for extra fiber or use a sugar alternative like honey or maple syrup, adjusting the wet ingredients accordingly.
Can I add other mix-ins to the banana bread?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, dried fruits, or shredded coconut can be delightful additions. Just keep the total mix-ins to about 1 to 1.5 cups to maintain the bread's texture. Experimenting with flavors can lead to unique variations.
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).