Grandma Burgess' Banana Bread
A moist and flavorful banana bread with a hint of walnuts, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Its rich banana flavor complemented by a tender crumb makes it a comforting treat for family gatherings or a quick indulgence any time of day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the brown sugar and shortening.
- Add mashed bananas, vanilla, and egg to the mixture and stir well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the baking soda, flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the sour milk to the banana mixture and stir thoroughly.
- Fold in walnuts if desired.
- Pour the batter into a greased bread pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra moist banana bread, use overripe bananas with brown spots. If you don’t have sour milk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. Consider substituting half of the shortening with applesauce for a healthier option. Also, feel free to add chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Grandma Burgess' Banana Bread with a dollop of butter or a smear of cream cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful brunch, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a slice of My Sister's Lemon Pound Cake for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast it for a crispy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Burgess' Banana Bread contains roughly 140 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1133mg per serving (49% 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 make this banana bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. The taste will remain delicious, and it’s a great option for those following gluten-free diets.
How can I add more flavor to the banana bread?
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an aromatic touch. You can also incorporate ingredients like shredded coconut or dried fruits for additional texture and flavor. A splash of bourbon or rum in the batter can also enhance the overall taste.
What should I do if my banana bread is too dense?
A dense banana bread can result from overmixing the batter or using too many bananas. Make sure to mix just until combined and avoid packing the bananas too tightly when measuring. If your mixture feels too heavy, you can add a splash of milk to lighten it up.
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).