Great Aunt Edith'S Banana Nut Bread
A moist and flavorful banana nut bread featuring ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or teatime. Its golden crust and tender crumb make it a comforting treat for banana lovers and bread enthusiasts alike, suitable for casual gatherings or family favorites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and baking soda together.
- Cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the walnuts and mashed bananas.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before removing from the pan and slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using browned butter instead of shortening or substituting half the sugar with brown sugar. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or even chocolate chips can work well. Make sure your bananas are overripe for maximum sweetness and moisture. If you prefer a denser bread, reduce the baking powder slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This banana nut bread is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it with a spread of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or a snack. For a delightful dessert, try serving it alongside a scoop of ice cream or with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Explore more American recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana nut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster or microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Aunt Edith'S Banana Nut Bread contains roughly 382 calories, with 9g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 608mg per serving (26% 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 well in banana bread. Just thaw them and mash before adding to the batter. They may be a bit more watery, so you might want to reduce any additional liquid slightly to maintain the right consistency.
How can I make this banana bread gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
What can I add to the banana bread for extra flavor?
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or a splash of vanilla or almond extract for depth. You can also incorporate dried fruits or additional nuts to enhance the flavor and texture of the bread.
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).