Feather-Light Banana Nut Bread
A fluffy, moist banana nut bread featuring ripe bananas, crunchy nuts, and a tender crumb—perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, appealing to banana lovers and bread enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and gradually add sugar.
- Add eggs and mix well.
- Add buttermilk to which baking soda has been added, alternating with dry ingredients.
- Add mashed bananas and mix well.
- Dredge nuts with flour and add to the mixture.
- Pour batter into a prepared loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your shortening is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Feel free to add chocolate chips or a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor. To make it even more appealing, consider pairing with a dollop of cream cheese frosting.
Serving Suggestions
This feather-light banana nut bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Pumpkin-Cranberry Cookies during the fall season or as part of a brunch spread with items like Cheesy Grits Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the banana nut bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze it; thaw slices as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Feather-Light Banana Nut Bread contains roughly 109 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1043mg per serving (45% 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 before mashing. They tend to be sweeter and more flavorful, making your bread even more delicious.
What can I substitute for shortening?
You can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. This will give the banana nut bread a slightly different flavor and texture, but it will still be delicious.
How can I tell when the banana nut bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Additionally, the bread should be golden brown on top and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.
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).