My Banana Bread
A moist, flavorful banana bread with a hint of spice, perfect for breakfast or snack, and easily customizable with optional walnuts for added crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together shortening, sugar, and beaten egg.
- Add mashed bananas, flour, baking soda, salt, and apple pie spice to the mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Optionally, fold in 1/2 to 1 cup walnuts before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half butter and half Crisco in your banana bread. If you're out of apple pie spice, a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg works well as a substitute. To enhance flavor, you can also add a splash of vanilla extract. For added crunch, fold in some chopped walnuts before baking, which pairs beautifully with this banana bread.
Serving Suggestions
This banana bread makes for a delightful breakfast or snack, best served warm. Try spreading some butter or cream cheese on a slice, or serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For a special treat, consider pairing it with Chocolate Pecan Caramels for dessert or enjoy it as part of a cozy brunch with friends.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread by slicing it and placing it in a freezer bag, where it will last up to three months. To reheat, simply toast slices in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Banana Bread contains roughly 61 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 669mg per serving (29% 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 for banana bread! Just thaw them completely and mash before adding to the mixture. They tend to be sweeter and more flavorful, which can enhance your banana bread.
How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?
To check if your banana bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the bread is ready. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes.
What can I do if my banana bread is too dense?
If your banana bread turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Additionally, ensure your baking soda is fresh, as old baking soda can affect the rise of 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).