Grandma Lettie'S Banana Bread
A moist, flavorful banana bread featuring ripe bananas, nuts, and a hint of vanilla, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a comforting dessert for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar and eggs until well blended.
- Add mashed bananas, vanilla, vinegar, Crisco, baking soda, salt, and baking powder; mix thoroughly.
- Gradually add flour and nuts, mixing until just combined.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F for at least 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before removing from the pan and slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your bananas are overripe and well-mashed. You can substitute Crisco with unsalted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor profile. If you want to enhance the taste, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. If you prefer, omit the nuts or replace them with chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Grandma Lettie's Banana Bread with a pat of butter or cream cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful breakfast, enjoy it alongside a serving of Blue Cheese Macaroni Salad for a savory contrast. You can also top it with sliced strawberries or a drizzle of honey for a sweet touch.
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, slice and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or toast slices lightly to enjoy them warm and fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Lettie'S Banana Bread contains roughly 416 calories, with 5g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value), potassium (11% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1071mg per serving (47% 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 banana bread?
Yes, using frozen bananas is a great option! Just thaw them completely and mash them well before adding them to the batter. This can add extra moisture and enhance the flavor of the bread.
How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?
The banana bread is done when it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it’s still wet, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes and check again.
Can I add other ingredients to the banana bread?
Absolutely! You can customize your banana bread by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even spices like cinnamon. Just be mindful of not overmixing once you add extra ingredients to keep the bread tender.
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).