Festive Banana Gingerbread Houses
Transform the traditional holiday gingerbread houses into delightful banana bread creations! This recipe combines the warmth of spices with the sweet, moistness of ripe bananas, resulting in a unique and festive treat that will impress family and friends alike. Build your edible masterpieces and let your creativity shine as you decorate them with colorful frosting and your favorite candies, making this a fun activity for all ages. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a charming centerpiece, these banana gingerbread houses are sure to be a hit!
20
Servings
150
Calories
26
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
3 cups (sifted)
Baking soda
2 teaspoons
Baking powder
1 teaspoon
Salt
1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Fresh ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon
Ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon
Ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon
Ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon
Ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Butter
1 cup (softened)
Granulated sugar
2 cups
Eggs
4 (beaten)
Bananas
6 (finely crushed)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Powdered sugar
1 lb
Salt
1 pinch
Milk
3 tablespoons
Cream
3 tablespoons
Powdered sugar (for royal icing)
3 1/4 cups
Meringue powder
3 tablespoons
Cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon
Warm water
1/2 cup
Vanilla extract (for royal icing)
1 teaspoon
Favorite candy
to taste (for decoration)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line three 8-inch disposable loaf pans with parchment paper for easy removal later and set aside.
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices until well combined.
3
3. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 5 minutes. Incorporate the beaten eggs, mixing until fully blended. Next, stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract to create a cohesive batter.
4
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until just combined. Take care not to over-mix; use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and incorporate any batter that may be stuck to the bottom. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared loaf pans.
5
5. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 55 minutes to 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the loaves to cool completely in their pans.
6
6. For the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy (around 5 minutes). Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Once combined, add the pinch of salt, milk, and cream; continue to beat on high until the frosting is smooth and airy, which will take another 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside.
7
7. To prepare the royal icing, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and cream of tartar in a large bowl. Gradually add the warm water and vanilla extract, then mix on low until combined. Increase the speed to high and beat for 7-10 minutes until the icing reaches a stiff peak consistency.
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8. Carefully remove the cooled banana loaves from their pans. Using a serrated knife, cut and shape each loaf to create the base and roof for your houses. Hold the pieces together using a thin layer of cream cheese frosting for better stability.
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9. Once assembled, unleash your creativity! Decorate your banana gingerbread houses with the prepared cream cheese frosting and royal icing. Add your favorite candies for personalized flair, making each house unique and festive!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the preheat temperature for the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How many loaf pans are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires three 8-inch disposable loaf pans.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
The softened butter and granulated sugar should be creamed on high speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
How many bananas are needed for the recipe?
You will need 6 finely crushed bananas.
What is the baking time for the banana loaves?
The loaves should bake for approximately 55 minutes to 1 hour.
How can I tell when the banana bread is finished baking?
The loaves are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What spices are used to create the gingerbread flavor?
The recipe uses cinnamon, fresh ground nutmeg, ginger, allspice, cloves, and a hint of ground black pepper.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 150 calories.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 20 servings.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How do I assemble the houses after the bread has cooled?
Use a serrated knife to cut and shape the loaves into bases and roofs, then hold them together using a thin layer of cream cheese frosting.
How long should I beat the royal icing?
The royal icing should be beaten on high for 7 to 10 minutes until it reaches a stiff peak consistency.
What are the ingredients for the royal icing?
The royal icing consists of powdered sugar, meringue powder, cream of tartar, warm water, and vanilla extract.
How long does it take to prepare the cream cheese frosting?
After the initial fluffing of butter and cheese, the frosting needs 5 to 7 minutes of high-speed beating once the liquids are added.
Can I use candies to decorate the houses?
Yes, the recipe encourages using your favorite candies to add personalized flair to each house.
What is the purpose of meringue powder in this recipe?
Meringue powder is used in the royal icing to provide structure and help it reach stiff peaks for decorating.
How many eggs are included in the batter?
The recipe requires 4 beaten eggs.
Is there any fiber or sugar data provided in the nutritional info?
The provided data lists fiber, sugar, sodium, and cholesterol as null.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as Quick Breads.
How much fat and protein are in one house serving?
Each serving has 5g of fat and 2g of protein.
What prevents the bread from sticking to the loaf pans?
Lining the pans with parchment paper ensures easy removal.
How much granulated sugar is in the bread batter?
The batter contains 2 cups of granulated sugar.
Does the recipe use both baking soda and baking powder?
Yes, it uses 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
What liquid is used in the cream cheese frosting?
The frosting uses 3 tablespoons of milk and 3 tablespoons of cream.
Should the batter be mixed thoroughly after adding dry ingredients?
The batter should be mixed until just combined to avoid over-mixing.
What is the total number of ingredients listed?
The recipe includes a total of 26 ingredients.
What tools should be used to incorporate stuck batter?
A rubber spatula should be used to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
What kind of knife is best for shaping the houses?
A serrated knife is recommended for cutting and shaping the cooled loaves.
Is there a specific way to prepare the bananas?
The bananas should be finely crushed before being stirred into the batter.
What makes this a unique holiday activity?
It combines holiday gingerbread house building with the sweet taste of banana bread for a fun, edible craft for all ages.