Kona Inn Banana Nut Bread
A moist and flavorful banana nut bread with toasted walnuts, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. The rich banana and nut flavors appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar together.
- Add eggs, mashed bananas, and chopped walnuts.
- Sift together the cake flour, salt, and soda three times.
- Blend the wet and dry ingredients together.
- Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into two greased loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before turning out of the pans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of cake flour. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Kona Inn 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, making it a delightful breakfast or snack. For a delicious dessert, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a slice of California Choco Orange Cake for a sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap any leftover banana nut bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply toast slices or microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kona Inn Banana Nut Bread contains roughly 1492 calories, with 22g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 106g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 822mg 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, frozen bananas work great in banana bread! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. The moisture from the bananas will keep your bread moist, so it’s a perfect option, especially if they are very ripe.
How can I make this banana nut bread healthier?
You can reduce the sugar by half or substitute it with honey or maple syrup. Additionally, replace half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce to cut down on fat. Using whole wheat flour instead of cake flour will also add more fiber.
What can I add to the banana nut bread for extra flavor?
Consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor. You could also mix in chocolate chips or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added texture and sweetness. A dash of vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor profile.
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).