Granma'S Banana Bread
A moist, flavorful banana bread infused with ripe bananas, walnuts, and maraschino cherries, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mash the bananas.
- In a large bowl, cream together the sugar, shortening, and eggs.
- Add the flour and baking soda to the mixture.
- Stir in the mashed bananas, walnuts, and maraschino cherries.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to an hour, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra moist banana bread, use very ripe bananas with brown spots. If you don’t have shortening, unsalted butter can be substituted for a richer flavor. For a twist, consider adding chocolate chips or coconut flakes to the batter. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts. This recipe is perfect for those looking for delicious vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy slices of Granma's Banana Bread as a breakfast treat or afternoon snack. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful dessert, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It also makes a wonderful base for a banana bread French toast.
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 and warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or toast slices for a crispy finish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granma'S Banana Bread contains roughly 455 calories, with 5g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (19% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 well for banana bread. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. The flavor will be just as rich, making your bread deliciously moist.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar by half and replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Additionally, consider using applesauce as a substitute for the shortening for a lower-fat option.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter. Chopped dark chocolate or dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries can also add a delightful twist.
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).