Keri'S Banana Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful banana nut bread with warm spices and crunchy nuts, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, appealing to banana lovers and nut enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream together shortening and sugar using a mixer.
- Add bananas, milk, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Fold in chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into well-greased pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes if in a loaf pan or 15 minutes for muffin tins.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. You can also use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper sweetness. If you prefer a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon can enhance the spice profile, complementing the nutmeg. For a variation, try incorporating chocolate chips or dried fruit.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Keri's Banana Nut Bread warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. For a delightful dessert, consider serving it alongside Orange Caramel Nut Sundaes for a sweet contrast. Enjoy it as part of your brunch spread or alongside a fresh fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the banana nut bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it 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 slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Keri'S Banana Nut Bread contains roughly 502 calories, with 7g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1151mg per serving (50% 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?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great in banana bread. Just thaw them and mash them before adding to the batter. They will provide the same moisture and sweetness as fresh bananas. This is a perfect way to use up overripe bananas you may have in your freezer.
What can I do if my banana nut bread is too dense?
If your bread turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Also, ensure you're using the right measurements, especially for flour. Measuring flour by weight can prevent this issue. Additionally, make sure your baking powder is fresh to ensure proper leavening.
How can I make this banana bread gluten-free?
To make Keri's Banana Nut Bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free. Sometimes, adding a tablespoon of xanthan gum can help mimic the texture of traditional bread. Bake as directed, keeping an eye on the texture as it might require slight adjustments.
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).