Looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and tart? This Banana and Cranberry Bread recipe combines the rich, comforting flavor of ripe bananas with the vibrant tang of cranberries, creating a loaf that’s both moist and flavorful.
The natural sweetness of the bananas complements the tartness of the cranberries, resulting in a harmonious blend that is truly irresistible.
As you slice into the bread, you’ll discover a tender crumb infused with bursts of cranberry goodness. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of flavors, making it an ideal snack, breakfast option, or even a sweet addition to your afternoon tea.
Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or toasted with a bit of butter, this Banana and Cranberry Bread recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Banana and Cranberry Bread Recipe for its perfect balance of flavors the natural sweetness of ripe bananas beautifully complements the tartness of cranberries.
It’s incredibly moist and tender, making each slice a delightful treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Plus, with its easy preparation and customizable options, it’s a fantastic recipe for bakers of all levels.
Whether you enjoy it fresh or freeze it for later, this bread is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
How To Prepare Banana and Cranberry Bread Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (9×5 inches)
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (you can reduce to 3/4 cup for less sweetness)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries (chopped if using dried)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Banana Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Stir until well combined. Add the sugar, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 4: Fold in Cranberries and Nuts
Gently fold in the cranberries and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Ideas For A More Delicious
1. Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and added flavor. Toast them lightly beforehand for extra richness.
2. Include Spices: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice. These warm spices elevate the overall taste profile.
3. Swirl in Nut Butter: Create a delightful ribbon of almond or peanut butter by swirling it into the batter before baking for added creaminess.
4. Top with a Streusel: Sprinkle a crumbly streusel topping made from flour, butter, and brown sugar before baking for a sweet, crunchy finish.
5. Drizzle with Glaze: After the bread cools, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk (or lemon juice) for a sweet touch that adds visual appeal.
Why Is Banana Bread Not Cooked In The Middle?
Banana bread may not cook properly in the middle for a few reasons:
Too Much Moisture: Overripe bananas add moisture, which can cause the middle to remain undercooked if the recipe isn’t balanced with dry ingredients.
Oven Temperature: If your oven temperature is too high, the outside may cook too quickly while the inside remains raw. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Overmixing: Mixing the batter too much can lead to a dense loaf that takes longer to bake through.
To avoid this, check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Is It Good To Eat Bread And Banana Together?
Yes, eating bread and banana together can be quite nutritious! Bananas provide essential vitamins and minerals, while bread (especially whole grain) offers fiber and carbohydrates for energy.
This combination can make for a satisfying snack or meal. Just be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you’re watching your carbohydrate intake.
Enjoying them together in recipes like banana bread can also add delicious flavor and texture!
Storage Information
To store your Banana and Cranberry Bread, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. You can keep it at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate it for up to a week.
For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze individual pieces in an airtight container or freezer bag; this way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes. Just toast or microwave it briefly to revive its delicious moisture!
Conclusion
This Banana and Cranberry Bread Recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion.
Its moist texture and balanced sweetness make it an enjoyable treat for everyone, whether served fresh out of the oven or enjoyed days later.
Easy to make and customizable to suit your preferences, this recipe is not only a delicious addition to your baking repertoire but also a perfect way to elevate your snack game.
Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for another slice time and again!
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Banana And Cranberry Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (9×5 inches)
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar you can reduce to 3/4 cup for less sweetness
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries chopped if using dried
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Banana Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Stir until well combined. Add the sugar, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 4: Fold in Cranberries and Nuts
- Gently fold in the cranberries and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.