One-Bowl Banana Bread

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful banana bread with walnuts and optional dates, easy to prepare in one bowl, perfect for breakfast or snack, appealing to all banana lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups flour
  • 3 bananas, cut in fourths
  • 1 teaspoon soda in 4 tablespoons hot water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/3 cup chopped dates (optional)

Instructions

  1. Put all ingredients except the last two (walnuts and dates) in a mixer bowl and beat until creamy.
  2. Add chopped walnuts and dates to the mixture and stir to combine.
  3. Pour the batter into prepared loaf pans.
  4. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes for small loaves, or at 350°F for 55 minutes for a single loaf.
  5. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you're out of brown sugar, you can use an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and moisture. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts and add more dates or chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions

This banana bread is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a smear of cream cheese or a pat of butter. Serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a cup of coffee for a delightful breakfast. For a sweet twist, try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or enjoy it with a slice of Joyce'S Blueberry Dream Dessert for a flavor combination.

Storage & Reheating

Store any 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 place it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of One-Bowl Banana Bread contains roughly 566 calories, with 7g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 970mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).

566 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.2g 14% DV
Total Fat 17.4g 22% DV
Carbs 97.7g 36% DV
Fiber 3.2g 11% DV
Sugar 37.4g 75% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 969.8mg 42% DV
Potassium 403.1mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 41mg 14% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 17.3mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 5.4mg 6% DV
Calcium 67.8mg 5% DV
Iron 3mg 17% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, which will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber. However, the bread may be denser, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of water to the batter to keep it moist.

How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?

To check if the banana bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's ready. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically to avoid overbaking.

Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even shredded coconut. Just remember to keep the total amount of mix-ins around 1 cup to maintain the right batter consistency.

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).

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