Ethel'S Banana Bread
A moist, flavorful banana bread with pecans and optional honey, perfect for breakfast or tea time, appealing to banana lovers and those craving comforting baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- Combine the flour, salt, and soda in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Stir in the pecans.
- Add buttermilk and honey if desired, mixing gently to incorporate.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes (70 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use ripe bananas that are heavily speckled for maximum sweetness. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or chocolate chips can be great alternatives. To enhance moisture, consider adding an extra tablespoon of buttermilk or substituting some of the butter with applesauce. For a twist, sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the banana bread and serve it warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for a delightful breakfast treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also enjoy it as a snack or dessert, perhaps drizzled with honey or served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it 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 and warm in the microwave or toaster oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ethel'S Banana Bread contains roughly 1311 calories, with 12g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (29% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2171mg per serving (94% 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 and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This can help achieve the same moisture and sweetness as fresh ripe bananas.
How can I make this banana bread healthier?
You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the plain flour to increase fiber content. Additionally, reduce sugar by using honey or maple syrup, and consider replacing some butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lower fat option.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of banana bread?
Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for added warmth. You can also mix in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even a handful of oats for extra texture and flavor.
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).