Imagine the delightful aroma of fresh banana bread wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the tart sweetness of cranberries and the rich crunch of pecans. This Cranberry Pecan Banana Bread is not just a treat for your taste buds; it's a warm hug for your soul! Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this easy-to-follow recipe combines wholesome ingredients to create a loaf that’s both comforting and delicious. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Ensure there are no large lumps for a uniform texture.
- Add the 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/3 cup of melted butter to the mashed bananas. Mix well until combined.
- Crack the 1 egg into the banana mixture and add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- In a separate bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk together to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as there are no dry spots.
- Fold in the 1 cup of fresh cranberries and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve the cranberry pecan banana bread warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips
- Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for optimal sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so stir gently to keep it light and fluffy.
- Add Extra Crunch: For an added texture, consider mixing in some additional chopped pecans or even walnuts. You can also sprinkle some on top before baking for a beautiful presentation.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread a few minutes before the 60-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
- Cool Completely: Allow your loaf to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the flavors to meld and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze slices for longer storage. Just pop them in the toaster for a quick treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
