Running Board Banana Bread
A moist, flavorful banana bread with walnuts, perfect for breakfast or snack, combining ripe bananas, vanilla, and crunchy nuts for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream Crisco with white sugar.
- Add beaten eggs and crushed bananas; mix well.
- Sift in flour, add soda, vanilla, and salt; stir to combine.
- Fold in walnut meats.
- Pour batter into a prepared loaf pan.
- Let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of Crisco. If you want to enhance the banana flavor, add a tablespoon of banana extract. You can also substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and moisture. Don't skip letting the batter rise, as this helps create a lighter texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this banana bread warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Additionally, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Running Board Banana Bread contains roughly 848 calories, with 19g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (45% of the Daily Value) and protein (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 858mg per serving (37% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser loaf. To maintain a lighter texture, consider using a mix of both flours or adding a bit of extra liquid to the batter.
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 of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking regularly.
Can I add chocolate chips to the banana bread?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a delicious option. Fold in about a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter after mixing in the dry ingredients for a sweet twist on this classic recipe.
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).