Orange Banana Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful banana nut bread infused with orange zest, perfect for breakfast or as a snack, combining citrus, banana, and crunchy pecans in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat sugar, butter, and egg until smooth.
- Add mashed bananas, orange peel, and milk; mix well.
- Sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and beat just until smooth.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour batter into a greased 9 x 5 x 2-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter bread, consider increasing the sugar to 1 1/4 cups. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or replace the butter with unsweetened applesauce. To enhance the orange flavor, add a few drops of orange extract to the mixture. Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange Banana Nut Bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. For a twist, try slicing it and toasting it lightly. You can also serve it with a dollop of cream cheese spread to elevate the flavor. Consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Orange Banana Nut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they can be kept for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Banana Nut Bread contains roughly 483 calories, with 11g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1204mg per serving (52% 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 other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Both options will add a unique flavor and texture to the bread. Just make sure to chop them roughly to maintain some crunch.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this Orange Banana Nut Bread vegan, substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk to keep the recipe fully vegan.
What can I do if my bread is too dry?
If your Orange Banana Nut Bread turns out dry, it may be due to overmixing or overbaking. To remedy this, serve it with a spread like butter or cream cheese. You can also warm it slightly in the microwave to help restore some moisture.
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).