St. John Banana Bread
St. John Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf combining ripe bananas with a hint of cinnamon and sugar. Its tender crumb and sweet aroma make it perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Rich in bananas and warm spices, it appeals to banana lovers and those seeking a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar together.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Mix in sifted dry ingredients (flour, soda, salt).
- Beat in mashed bananas.
- Add nuts if desired.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is still warm, pour melted butter over the top.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a paper bag. This recipe allows for the addition of nuts; walnuts or pecans are great choices. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the banana bread warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for added richness. This delightful treat pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, you might enjoy it alongside a dish like Pretzel Jello for a unique dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of St. John Banana Bread contains roughly 377 calories, with 7g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1235mg per serving (54% 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 in this recipe. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They often have a sweeter taste due to the freezing process, making your banana bread even more delicious.
How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Can I add chocolate chips to the banana bread?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a popular variation that enhances the sweetness and flavor. Just fold in about 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips when you mix in the mashed bananas for a delightful treat.
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).