Nana'S Banana Bread
Nana's Banana Bread offers moist, flavorful slices with ripe banana and walnuts, perfect for breakfast or snacking, appealing to banana lovers and home bakers alike.
Ingredients
- 5 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 c. granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. firmly packed light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 large egg ⓘ
- 2 egg whites ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. mashed, very ripe bananas ⓘ
- 1 3/4 c. all purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 c. heavy cream ⓘ
- 1/3 c. chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray the bottom only of a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Beat butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer set at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat well.
- Add egg, egg whites, and vanilla; beat until well blended. Add mashed bananas and beat on high for 30 seconds.
- Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with heavy cream, ending with the flour mixture.
- Stir in chopped walnuts until well combined.
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake until browned and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Cool bread in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely on wire rack.
- Slice and serve with butter and jam.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure butter is well-creamed and incorporate air by beating the mixture thoroughly. If you don’t have walnuts, pecans or chocolate chips can be great substitutions. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and moisture.
Serving Suggestions
This banana bread is delightful served warm with butter and jam, making it a perfect breakfast or snack. For an indulgent treat, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs beautifully with Almond Triangles for a delightful dessert spread. Enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon break.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana'S Banana Bread contains roughly 247 calories, with 6g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1484mg per serving (65% 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 for banana bread. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This can add even more moisture and sweetness to your bread.
How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it's golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. If it starts browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce, mashed avocado, or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). This will help bind the ingredients while keeping the banana 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).