Grandma Tom'S Banana Bread
Grandma Tom's Banana Bread offers a moist, flavorful treat with a hint of orange and optional walnuts, perfect for family gatherings or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together sugar, shortening, orange juice, mashed potatoes, walnuts (if using), flour, and baking soda.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 50 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you're out of walnuts or prefer a nut-free option, feel free to omit them entirely. Make sure to mash the potatoes well to avoid lumps in your batter. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise.
Serving Suggestions
This banana bread pairs beautifully with a dollop of cream cheese spread or a drizzle of honey. For a delightful breakfast, serve it alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. It also makes a great snack to accompany your favorite dishes, like My Buns or Fricassee Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or toast for a crispy edge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Tom'S Banana Bread contains roughly 829 calories, with 12g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), potassium (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1240mg per serving (54% 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 fresh bananas instead of mashed potatoes?
While traditional banana bread recipes use ripe bananas, this unique recipe replaces them with mashed potatoes for added moisture. If you wish to use bananas, substitute one cup of mashed bananas for the mashed potatoes, adjusting the baking time as necessary.
What can I do if my banana bread is too dense?
If your banana bread turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or adding too much flour. Next time, mix just until combined and measure your flour accurately. You could also try adding a little more baking soda to help with the rise.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make a healthier version of Grandma Tom's Banana Bread, consider using whole wheat flour instead of regular flour, and substitute Greek yogurt for shortening. You can also reduce the sugar by using ripe bananas or a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
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).