Moist Banana Cranberry Walnut Bread
Indulge in the delightful taste of our Moist Banana Cranberry Walnut Bread, a perfect harmony of sweet ripened bananas, tangy cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. This easy-to-make loaf is not only incredibly flavorful but also very moist, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Adapted from a beloved family recipe featured in FAMILY FUN MAGAZINE, this version incorporates berries and nuts for an added dimension of flavor. Each slice is a delightful blend of textures and tastes, sure to please banana bread lovers and newcomers alike. Enjoy it warm or toasted with a pat of butter for a comforting treat that brings family and friends together.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (sifted)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (sifted)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (sifted)
sweet butter
1/2 cup (softened)
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
eggs
2 (room temperature)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
ripe bananas
1 cup (mashed (approximately 2-3 bananas depending on size))
sour cream
1/2 cup (to mix with bananas)
walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
cranberries
1/2 cup (dried or fresh)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
Grease a 10x5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring no batter overflow during baking.
3
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then set aside.
4
In another bowl, mash the ripened bananas, then mix in the sour cream until smooth and well incorporated; set aside.
5
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar, beating until fully combined.
6
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
7
Incorporate the banana and sour cream mixture into the wet ingredients, beating for an additional 3 minutes to combine thoroughly.
8
Slowly add the flour mixture to the batter, continuing to mix for about 3 minutes until just combined. Gently fold in the cranberries and walnuts.
9
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top if necessary.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moist Banana Cranberry Walnut Bread?
It is a flavorful loaf that combines sweet ripened bananas, tangy cranberries, and crunchy walnuts for a perfect balance of taste and texture.
What makes this banana bread so moist?
The inclusion of mashed ripened bananas and 1/2 cup of sour cream ensures the bread remains incredibly moist and tender.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C) before baking the bread.
What size loaf pan is required for this recipe?
You should use a 10x5 inch loaf pan to accommodate the batter without overflow.
How should I prepare the loaf pan?
Grease the pan with butter or a non-stick cooking spray before pouring in the batter.
What dry ingredients are used in this recipe?
The dry ingredients include 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How should the bananas be prepared?
The bananas should be ripened and mashed to yield approximately 1 cup of fruit.
What is the purpose of sour cream in the recipe?
Sour cream is mixed with the bananas to add fat and acidity, which tenderizes the crumb and adds moisture.
How do I cream the butter and sugar?
Use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, then gradually add the sugar and continue beating until combined.
How should eggs be added to the batter?
Eggs should be added one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition.
What type of vanilla extract is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for the best flavor profile.
How long should I mix the banana and sour cream mixture into the wet ingredients?
Beat the mixture for an additional 3 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly combined.
What is the mixing time after adding the flour mixture?
Continue to mix for about 3 minutes until the flour is just combined with the wet ingredients.
When do I add the cranberries and walnuts?
The cranberries and walnuts should be gently folded in by hand at the very end of the mixing process.
How long does it take to bake the banana bread?
The bread typically bakes for 60 to 75 minutes depending on your oven.
How can I tell if the bread is finished baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1/2 cup of either dried or fresh cranberries.
Should the butter be softened?
Yes, the 1/2 cup of sweet butter should be softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
What is the preparation for the walnuts?
The 1/2 cup of walnuts should be chopped before being folded into the batter.
Should I sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, the recipe recommends sifting the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together to remove lumps.
Is this recipe based on a specific magazine?
Yes, this version is adapted from a beloved family recipe featured in Family Fun Magazine.
Can I serve this bread warm?
Absolutely, it is delicious when served warm or at room temperature, often with a pat of butter.
How many bananas do I need?
You will need approximately 2 to 3 bananas depending on their size to reach 1 cup of mashed fruit.
Should the eggs be at room temperature?
Yes, using room temperature eggs helps them emulsify more easily into the creamed butter and sugar.
Is this a quick bread recipe?
Yes, it is a quick bread because it uses chemical leaveners like baking powder and soda instead of yeast.
Can I toast this banana bread?
Yes, toasted slices of this bread are excellent, especially when spread with butter.
Should I smooth the top of the batter before baking?
Yes, after pouring the batter into the loaf pan, smooth the top if necessary for an even bake.
What is the texture of this bread?
The bread has a delightful blend of textures, featuring a moist crumb with crunch from the walnuts and chewiness from the cranberries.
Is this bread suitable for dessert?
Yes, its sweet and tangy profile makes it an ideal treat for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day snack.