Favorite Banana Nut Bread
A moist and flavorful banana nut bread featuring ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Its sweet, nutty aroma and tender crumb make it a favorite for banana lovers of all ages. Simple to prepare and ideal for using ripe bananas.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together milk, shortening, and sugar.
- Add eggs and beat well.
- Stir in mashed bananas.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chopped walnuts.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before removing from pan and slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even richer flavor, consider using browned butter in place of shortening. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or chocolate chips make excellent substitutes. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the overall flavor. For a healthier twist, replace half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions
This banana nut bread is delightful on its own but can be served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a special touch, serve slices with a side of candied walnuts for added crunch and sweetness, or enjoy it alongside a fresh fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover banana nut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just warm; this will help restore its moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Banana Nut Bread contains roughly 798 calories, with 7g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1295mg per serving (56% 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 great! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid. They should be soft and easy to mash, making them perfect for banana bread. Be sure to adjust the sugar if your bananas are very sweet.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free banana nut bread, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Additionally, check that all other ingredients are gluten-free, particularly baking powder and any added nuts.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can add vanilla extract or a dash of nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile. Chopped dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can also be included for added sweetness. For a more indulgent variation, consider swirling in some chocolate chips or peanut butter.
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).