Holiday Banana Bread
Festive and moist banana bread filled with sweet dates, cherries, and nuts, offering a delightful combination of flavors perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy mornings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat egg, sugar, shortening, mashed bananas, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add sifted all-purpose flour and baking soda to the mixture and stir until combined.
- Stir in chopped dates, maraschino cherries, and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist banana bread, ensure your bananas are very ripe. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or a plant-based alternative. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor. For a twist, consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits as variations, similar to those found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of holiday banana bread warm or at room temperature, possibly with a spread of butter or cream cheese. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy brunch. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Mama'S Fruit Pies for a delightful dessert table.
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 microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Banana Bread contains roughly 655 calories, with 5g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), and potassium (12% 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 great! Just thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and mash them before adding to the batter. They’ll add moisture and sweetness, making your banana bread even better.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Reducing sugar to 3/4 cup or using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup can also cut down calories without sacrificing flavor.
What types of nuts work best in banana bread?
Walnuts and pecans are classic choices that add a nice crunch. However, you can experiment with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preference. Just be sure to chop them roughly for even distribution in the batter.
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).