Holiday Banana Nut Bread
Celebrate the holidays with this moist banana nut bread loaded with chocolate chips, cherries, and walnuts, perfect for sharing at festive gatherings or cozy family mornings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in sour cream and mashed bananas until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, and halved maraschino cherries with their juice.
- Divide the batter evenly between two greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans.
- Bake for 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you don't have maraschino cherries, dried cherries or cranberries can work as a substitute. You can also reduce the sugar by using ripe bananas to add natural sweetness. Lastly, ensure your bananas are overripe for the best flavor and moisture.
Serving Suggestions
This Holiday Banana Nut Bread is delightful on its own but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a spread of cream cheese for extra indulgence. Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or snack. It also pairs beautifully with Fresh Pear Or Apple Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana nut 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 15-20 seconds or toast slices in a toaster for a crisp finish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Banana Nut Bread contains roughly 455 calories, with 11g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1605mg per serving (70% 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 make this banana bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum, or add it separately to maintain the structure of the bread. Adjust baking time as necessary, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
How ripe should my bananas be?
For the best flavor and moisture, use overripe bananas with dark spots. The more spots, the sweeter they will be. If your bananas are not quite ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.
Can I add other nuts or fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts like pecans or macadamia nuts. You can also incorporate dried fruits such as raisins or apricots for added flavor. Just remember to adjust the quantities to keep the balance of moisture in 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).