Grandma Smith'S Banana Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful banana nut bread with warm spices and crunchy nuts, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- Mix flour, salt, nutmeg, and baking powder; set aside.
- Cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- Alternately add flour mixture and mashed bananas to the creamed mixture.
- Fold in nuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F for about 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. If you don't have nuts on hand, chocolate chips make a delightful alternative. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and moisture. To enhance the spiciness, feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of banana nut bread warm or at room temperature, possibly with a spread of butter or cream cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or Peach Fluff Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the banana nut bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep it fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 3 months. When reheating, use a microwave for a few seconds or warm it in the oven to revive its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Smith'S Banana Nut Bread contains roughly 330 calories, with 4g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1123mg 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 use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen bananas! Just thaw them out completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas tend to be even sweeter and more flavorful, making them an excellent choice for banana bread.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed ripe banana for each egg. This will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the bread moist. Flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water also work well as alternatives.
How do I know when the banana nut bread is done baking?
To check if your banana nut bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, it's ready. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes and test again.
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).