Cranberry Walnut Banana Bread
This delightful Cranberry Walnut Banana Bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the tartness of fresh or frozen cranberries, creating a luscious and moist bread that's perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Packed with crunchy walnuts for added texture, this recipe not only helps you use up leftover cranberries but also freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy a slice of homemade goodness anytime you crave. For added convenience, you can make half of this batter into a loaf and the other half into delightful small muffins, making it a versatile treat for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
butter or margarine
1/4-1/2 cup (softened)
mashed banana
1 cup (ripe)
milk
1/4 cup (whole or your choice)
eggs
2 (large)
flour
2 cups (all-purpose)
baking powder
2 teaspoons
chopped walnuts
1/2 cup (optional)
coarsely chopped cranberries
1 1/2 cups (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Thoroughly grease an 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter (or margarine) until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4
Incorporate the mashed bananas, milk, and eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, stirring well until fully combined.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
6
Fold in the chopped walnuts and coarsely chopped cranberries to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
7
Carefully pour or spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you're making muffins, bake for about 20-25 minutes.
9
Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy it warm or store it for later.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Walnut Banana Bread?
It is a moist quick bread that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries.
How long does it take to bake a loaf of this bread?
The loaf typically bakes for 1 hour and 10 minutes in a preheated oven.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
Can I make muffins with this batter?
Yes, you can make the entire batch into muffins or split the batter between a loaf and small muffins.
How long do I bake the muffins?
Muffins should be baked for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Is this banana bread freezer-friendly?
Yes, this recipe freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy it at a later date.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What size loaf pan is required?
An 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch loaf pan is recommended.
Should I grease the baking pan?
Yes, thoroughly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either softened butter or margarine.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires two large eggs.
What type of flour should I use?
Use two cups of all-purpose flour for the best results.
How much mashed banana is required?
You will need one cup of mashed ripe bananas.
Are the walnuts mandatory?
No, the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts is optional and can be omitted if preferred.
How much milk is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of whole milk or your choice of milk.
How should I prepare the cranberries?
The cranberries should be coarsely chopped before being folded into the batter.
What is the best way to combine the sugar and butter?
Cream them together in a medium mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
When do I add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture?
Gradually add the whisked flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture after the bananas and eggs are incorporated.
Why is it important not to overmix the batter?
Overmixing can make the bread tough; stir gently until the ingredients are just combined.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe requires two teaspoons of baking powder.
What type of sugar is used?
One cup of granulated sugar is used in this recipe.
How should the bread be cooled?
Once baked, remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool on a wire rack.
What is the serving suggestion for this bread?
It can be enjoyed warm or stored to be eaten later as a snack, breakfast, or dessert.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, a small amount of salt is whisked together with the flour and baking powder.
What should the texture of the butter be?
The butter or margarine should be softened to ensure it creams properly with the sugar.
How do I distribute the fruit and nuts evenly?
Gently fold the walnuts and cranberries into the batter at the very end of the mixing process.
Can I use this recipe for a special occasion?
Yes, its versatile nature as either a loaf or muffins makes it great for any occasion.
Does the recipe call for whole or chopped cranberries?
The recipe specifies using 1 1/2 cups of coarsely chopped cranberries.
How do I smooth the batter in the pan?
Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter once it has been poured into the loaf pan.