Mother'S Banana Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful banana nut bread with rich banana, crunchy nuts, and subtle vanilla, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert for anyone craving comfort baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar, eggs, and shortening until well combined.
- Add mashed banana and buttermilk; blend well.
- Sift together baking powder, salt, baking soda, and flour.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in chopped nuts and vanilla or black walnut flavoring.
- Pour batter into a greased pan and bake at 325°F (160°C) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and flavor. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
Serving Suggestions
This banana nut bread pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. You can also serve it with a dollop of cream cheese or butter for added richness. For a delightful dessert, try it alongside G'Mom Weaver'S (Cora Minibel) Filled Jumbo Drops - 1925(Great-Grandmother To Our Kids) for a nostalgic treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Banana Nut Bread contains roughly 368 calories, with 8g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1291mg per serving (56% 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 well in this recipe! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They tend to be sweeter and more flavorful, making them a great choice for banana nut bread.
What type of nuts can I use in banana nut bread?
While walnuts are traditional, you can use any type of nuts you prefer, such as pecans or almonds. You could even try adding chocolate chips for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make a healthier version, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly. Additionally, using unsweetened applesauce instead of shortening can cut down on fat while keeping the bread moist.
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).