Are you ready to elevate your banana bread game to a whole new level? This Orange Spice Banana Bread is not just any ordinary loaf; it's a delightful fusion of sweet bananas and zesty orange, perfectly spiced with warm cinnamon and nutmeg. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes, enticing everyone to gather around! In just over an hour, you can create a moist, flavorful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Trust us, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to plain banana bread again!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 55 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the banana bread from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Leave some small chunks for added texture if desired.
- Add the 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/3 cup melted butter to the mashed bananas. Mix well until fully combined.
- Crack the 2 large eggs into the banana mixture and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if there are a few lumps.
- Fold in the zest of 1 orange to the batter, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture for a burst of citrus flavor.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula if needed.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the Orange Spice Banana Bread and serve. Enjoy it plain, or with butter for added richness!
Tips
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor and moisture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if you add more ingredients.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
- Store Properly: Keep your Orange Spice Banana Bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain its moisture. It can last for several days at room temperature or can be frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
