Savory Mom's Banana Bread & Muffins
Indulge in the comforting flavors of homemade banana bread with this cherished family recipe. Perfect for using up those overripe bananas, this versatile recipe offers both a moist loaf and delicious muffins. The warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves create an inviting aroma, while the optional walnuts add a delightful crunch. Enjoy a slice or muffin any time of day - breakfast, snack, or dessert. Your loved ones will savor every bite of this delightful treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
shortening
1/2 cup (softened)
eggs
2 (beaten)
mashed banana
1 cup (ripe)
buttermilk or sour milk
3 tablespoons (room temperature)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (dry)
flour
2 cups (all-purpose)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (fine)
cinnamon
2 teaspoons (ground)
ground ginger
1 teaspoon (dried)
ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
walnuts
4 ounces (chopped, optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). For a loaf, grease and flour a 9" x 5" pan. For muffins, place 12 cupcake liners in a muffin pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.
3
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas, mixing until well combined.
4
In a small bowl, combine the baking soda with the buttermilk (or sour milk). Stir this mixture into the creamed mixture until combined.
5
In another bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, and cloves). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating well after each addition until smooth.
6
Fold in the chopped walnuts (if using). Pour the batter into the prepared pan or evenly distribute it among the muffin cups.
7
For muffins, bake for 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For the loaf, bake for 35 minutes, then cover with aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many muffins does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 12 muffins.
What size pan should I use for the banana bread loaf?
You should use a 9" x 5" loaf pan.
How much mashed banana is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of ripe mashed banana.
What spices are used in this banana bread?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves.
How long do the muffins need to bake?
Muffins should be baked for 22 minutes.
What is the total baking time for a loaf of bread?
The loaf bakes for 35 minutes uncovered, then an additional 25 minutes covered with foil, totaling 60 minutes.
Why should I cover the loaf with aluminum foil during baking?
Covering the loaf after 35 minutes prevents the top from over-browning while the center finishes baking.
Are walnuts mandatory in this recipe?
No, the 4 ounces of chopped walnuts are optional.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much sugar is needed?
You will need 1 cup of granulated sugar.
How many eggs are used in the batter?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
Can I use sour milk if I don't have buttermilk?
Yes, the recipe allows for 3 tablespoons of either buttermilk or sour milk.
What should the temperature of the buttermilk be?
The buttermilk or sour milk should be at room temperature.
How much shortening is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of softened shortening.
What is the first step in mixing the batter?
The first step is to cream together the sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.
How do I prepare the baking soda?
Stir 1 teaspoon of baking soda into the buttermilk or sour milk before adding it to the creamed mixture.
Should I sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, you should sift together the flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
How should the eggs be added?
Beat in the eggs one at a time into the creamed sugar and shortening.
How do I know when the bread or muffins are done?
They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What kind of salt is used?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast?
Yes, it is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
How should I prepare the muffin pan?
Place 12 cupcake liners in the muffin pan.
How should I prepare the loaf pan?
Grease and flour a 9" x 5" pan.
What is the texture of the shortening used?
The shortening should be softened.
At what point do I add the walnuts?
Fold in the chopped walnuts after the dry and wet ingredients are combined.
Is this considered an old-fashioned recipe?
Yes, it is described as a cherished, old-fashioned family recipe.
How much ginger is included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried ground ginger.
How much ground cloves are required?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of dried ground cloves.
Can this recipe be used for both bread and muffins?
Yes, this versatile recipe provides instructions for both a moist loaf and delicious muffins.