Grandma'S Banana Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful banana nut bread featuring warm spices and crunchy pecans, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, appealing to banana lovers and home bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
- Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla; beat well to combine.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and mashed bananas, mixing just until blended after each addition.
- Toss chopped pecans with 1 teaspoon flour and stir into batter.
- Pour batter into a greased Bundt or loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes (Bundt) or 50 to 60 minutes (loaf), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister banana bread, use very ripe bananas. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or even applesauce for a healthier option. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a handful of chocolate chips or swapping out pecans for walnuts. Ensure you don't overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of banana nut bread warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it an ideal breakfast or afternoon snack. For a delightful dessert, try it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve it with a side of Easy Black Forest Cherry Tort for a sweet indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana nut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag for up to three months. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast them for a warm treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Banana Nut Bread contains roughly 463 calories, with 9g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1104mg per serving (48% 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
How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?
The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens may vary. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
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).