Tropical Fruit Bread
A moist and flavorful tropical fruit bread featuring bananas, dried apricots, and nuts, perfect for breakfast or snack, appealing to fruit lovers and bread enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and shortening together until well blended.
- Add eggs thoroughly and mix well.
- Combine mashed bananas and buttermilk in a separate bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and soda.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with banana mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
- Stir in whole bran, chopped dried apricots, and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into greased loaf pans.
- Bake about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness. Mixing in some shredded coconut can enhance the tropical flavor, similar to American recipes featuring fruit.
Serving Suggestions
This tropical fruit bread is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with a dollop of cream cheese or butter. Pair it with a tropical fruit salad or a hot cup of tea for a perfect breakfast or snack. It also makes a lovely addition to brunch tables alongside dishes like Rolled Peanut Butter Candy.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, then reheat slices in a toaster or microwave for a quick snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tropical Fruit Bread contains roughly 470 calories, with 7g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (60% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1470mg per serving (64% 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 fresh fruit instead of dried apricots?
Yes, you can substitute fresh fruit, but be mindful that it may affect the moisture content of the bread. If using fresh apricots, chop them finely and reduce the buttermilk slightly to maintain the right batter consistency. You can also experiment with other dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently. This adaptation allows those following vegetarian recipes to enjoy this delicious treat.
Can I add spices to enhance the flavor?
Absolutely! Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the taste profile of the bread. Start with a teaspoon of cinnamon, and feel free to adjust according to your preference. This addition can make your tropical fruit bread feel even more comforting and aromatic, perfect for enjoying with a warm beverage.
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).