Southern Banana Nut Bread
Moist and flavorful banana nut bread with crunchy walnuts, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. A comforting treat with sweet bananas and toasted nuts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine Crisco and sugar in a mixing bowl.
- Beat in eggs, salt, mashed bananas, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and chopped walnuts until well blended.
- Pour batter into a greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 70 minutes in a preheated oven.
- Do not open oven door during baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of Crisco. You can also substitute some of the flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If you don't have walnuts, pecans make a great alternative. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture. Mixing the batter too much can lead to a dense loaf, so fold the ingredients gently until just combined.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature, possibly with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for added richness. This banana nut bread pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful breakfast or snack. For a more indulgent option, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also explore similar flavors in other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the banana nut bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it moist. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices; just make sure to wrap them well. To reheat, pop slices in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a toaster oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Banana Nut Bread contains roughly 156 calories, with 3g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1262mg per serving (55% 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! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They should be very ripe, which will enhance the flavor of the bread.
What can I do if the bread is too dense?
If your banana nut bread turns out too dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter or measuring the flour incorrectly. Make sure to measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off for the best results.
How can I add more flavor to the banana nut bread?
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. A teaspoon of vanilla extract can also elevate the flavor. For a twist, add chocolate chips or dried fruits, which harmonize well with the banana and nut combination.
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).