Virginia'S Banana Bread
A moist, flavorful banana bread with nuts and vanilla, perfect for breakfast or snack, appealing to banana lovers and those seeking a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together in a bowl.
- Add thoroughly mashed bananas and well-beaten eggs; mix well.
- Sift together the plain flour, salt, and soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and combine.
- Stir in chopped nuts (if desired) and vanilla extract.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white. You can also substitute half of the butter with applesauce for a lighter version. Make sure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture. If you want to enhance the nutty flavor, toast the chopped nuts before adding them to the batter. This banana bread can also be made into muffins for a quicker baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this banana bread warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful breakfast or snack option. For a special treat, consider serving it alongside Electric Peach Ice Cream for a refreshing contrast. You might also enjoy it as a base for French toast or a dessert topped with whipped cream.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Virginia'S Banana Bread contains roughly 515 calories, with 10g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1210mg per serving (53% 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 in banana bread. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before mashing. This will provide the same sweetness and moisture as fresh bananas, making your bread just as delicious.
How can I tell when my banana bread is done baking?
To check if your banana bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. 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 periodically to avoid overbaking.
Can I omit the nuts from the recipe?
Absolutely! The nuts are optional, and you can easily make this recipe nut-free. If you'd like to add some texture, consider incorporating chocolate chips or dried fruit as alternatives. This flexibility allows you to customize the recipe to suit your preferences.
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).