New England Fruit Bread
A moist and flavorful banana bread packed with cherries, walnuts, and chocolate chips, perfect for breakfast or snack, appealing to fruit and nut lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the Crisco and sugar; add the eggs and mashed bananas. Blend thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the flour and baking soda.
- Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and blend well.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, and drained maraschino cherries.
- Divide the batter into 3 greased and floured loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist bread, ensure your bananas are very ripe; the browner, the better. If you don't have Crisco, unsalted butter works well as a substitute. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Serving Suggestions
This fruit bread is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it with a spread of cream cheese or butter. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a festive touch, serve it alongside a slice of White Chocolate Cheese Fruit Tart at a brunch gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover New England Fruit Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven or microwave briefly, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New England Fruit Bread contains roughly 953 calories, with 16g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 617mg per serving (27% 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 can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They should be very ripe, as this enhances the flavor of the bread.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you prefer not to use walnuts, you can substitute them with pecans or omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are also great alternatives.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of New England Fruit Bread, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking soda is also gluten-free, and follow the recipe as usual.
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).