New England Banana Bread
A hearty and flavorful banana bread with raisins and nuts, perfect for breakfast or snack, combining ripe bananas, sweet spices, and optional add-ins for a moist, satisfying treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 1 cup all-bran ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 4 bananas) ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins (optional) ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream sugar and butter until fluffy.
- Add all-bran and egg, then beat well.
- Add water, bananas, and maple flavoring. Mix thoroughly.
- Gradually add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; mix until just combined.
- Stir in raisins and nuts, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your New England Banana Bread, consider using overripe bananas as they provide more sweetness and moisture. If you don't have maple flavoring, vanilla extract can be a good substitute. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For added texture, try incorporating shredded coconut or dried fruits. When measuring your flour, spoon it into the cup and level it off for accuracy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious banana bread warm or at room temperature with a spread of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. You can also enjoy it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For a fun twist, try it with a drizzle of maple syrup on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, slice the bread and warm it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast slices for a crispy texture. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New England Banana Bread contains roughly 859 calories, with 6g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (33% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They should be very ripe for optimal sweetness and moisture. Using frozen bananas is a great way to avoid waste and ensures a moist banana bread.
What can I substitute for all-bran?
If you don't have all-bran, you can substitute it with oat bran or a fiber-rich cereal. Alternatively, you can use rolled oats, but reduce the flour slightly to maintain the right consistency. This will still provide a similar texture and health benefits to your New England Banana Bread.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free New England Banana Bread, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the bread's structure. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavor without the gluten.
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).