Grandma'S Banana Bread
A moist, flavorful banana bread with ripe bananas and optional nuts, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, appealing to all banana lovers seeking a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease and flour 1 large or 2 small loaf bread pans.
- Melt the margarine.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and egg or egg whites.
- Add the mashed overripe bananas and mix well.
- Stir in the melted margarine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in chopped nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan(s).
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use very ripe bananas as they provide the most flavor and moisture. You can substitute melted butter for margarine if preferred. If you want to reduce sugar, try using 3/4 cup of sugar and adding a tablespoon of honey for added sweetness. Additionally, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of banana bread warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a smear of butter or cream cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful breakfast or snack. For a special treat, try it alongside Pumpkin Fluff for a seasonal twist.
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 the bread and warm it in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Banana Bread contains roughly 227 calories, with 6g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1514mg per serving (66% 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! Thaw them completely and mash them before adding to the batter. They may be a bit more watery, so ensure to mix well to achieve the right consistency.
How can I make this banana bread healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reducing the sugar. You can also add flaxseed meal for extra fiber and nutrients or substitute one egg with unsweetened applesauce.
Can I add chocolate chips to the banana bread?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a delicious variation. Just fold in about 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips when you mix in the nuts, if using. It creates a wonderful contrast with the banana flavor.
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).