Yuletide Banana Bread
Festive and flavorful banana bread with maraschino cherries, pecans, and coconut, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream Crisco and sugar together until well blended.
- Add beaten eggs and mix thoroughly.
- Combine all remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Pour batter into greased and floured loaf pans.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from pans and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Yuletide Banana Bread, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or substituting half of the sugar with brown sugar for added moisture. If you don't have pecans, walnuts can be a great alternative. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor. If you prefer a nut-free option, simply omit the nuts altogether.
Serving Suggestions
This Yuletide Banana Bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. Consider serving it with a dollop of cream cheese spread or a drizzle of honey for extra richness. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, serve alongside Cherry Cherry Balls during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover 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, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or pop them in a toaster for a delightful, crispy exterior.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yuletide Banana Bread contains roughly 432 calories, with 5g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 632mg per serving (27% 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, you can absolutely use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas often result in a sweeter and moister bread, making them ideal for this recipe.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make a healthier version of Yuletide Banana Bread, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Additionally, you can reduce the sugar amount and replace Crisco with applesauce or a healthier oil alternative. This will maintain the moisture while cutting down on calories.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding 1/2 cup of dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or even a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Spices such as nutmeg or ginger can also be added to complement the cinnamon and enhance the festive flavor profile.
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).