Helen'S Banana Nut Bread
Helen's Banana Nut Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf combining ripe bananas and crunchy nuts, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, baking powder, soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Mix well and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream together sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.
- Add buttermilk and eggs to the creamed mixture and beat well.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients alternating with mashed bananas.
- Spoon the batter into two greased and floured 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour. If you prefer, you can substitute the shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. To enhance the banana flavor, use very ripe bananas. If you want to add a twist, fold in chocolate chips or dried fruits like raisins. This bread pairs beautifully with Blueberry Banana Applesauce Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Helen's Banana Nut Bread warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for added richness. It pairs well with coffee or tea for breakfast or a snack. For a delightful dessert, try serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with Banana Cream Topping for an indulgent treat.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled banana nut bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster or microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Helen'S Banana Nut Bread contains roughly 609 calories, with 9g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 818mg per serving (36% 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, you can use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This will help maintain the right consistency of the batter. Frozen bananas often have a more intense flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your banana nut bread.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can also replace shortening with applesauce or Greek yogurt in the batter for a lower-fat option, which still keeps the bread moist.
What can I do if my banana nut bread is too dense?
If your banana nut bread turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or using bananas that weren't ripe enough. To avoid this, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated, and use very ripe, soft bananas. Make sure to check your baking powder’s freshness as well—old leavening agents can lead to denser baked goods.
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).