Granny'S Banana Bread
A moist, flavorful banana bread filled with raisins and walnuts, perfect for breakfast or snack. Rich banana and vanilla flavors make it a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together shortening and sugar.
- Add eggs, mashed bananas, sour milk, vanilla, almond extract, and banana extract.
- Gradually add baking soda, salt, and flour while mixing.
- Stir in raisins and walnuts.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening. If you don’t have sour milk, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. You can substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Adding walnuts can enhance the flavor, but make sure to chop them finely. For extra sweetness, incorporate chocolate chips or swap raisins for dried cranberries.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of banana bread warm with a pat of butter for a delicious breakfast or snack. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful dessert, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve alongside a slice of Lemon Bars Deluxe Cookies for a delightful treat. This bread also makes a great base for a breakfast sandwich with nut butter and banana slices.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the microwave or toaster oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granny'S Banana Bread contains roughly 205 calories, with 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 881mg per serving (38% 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 perfectly for banana bread. Just thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and mash them before adding to the mixture. This is a great way to use overripe bananas you may have stored in your freezer.
How can I make this banana bread healthier?
To make this banana bread healthier, you can reduce the sugar by half or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, substituting whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour can boost the fiber content, making it a better choice for a wholesome snack.
What can I add to the batter for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. Additionally, try folding in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even shredded coconut for a unique twist. Each of these additions can complement the banana flavor beautifully.
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).