introduction
This Cranberry Banana Bread is soft, sweet, and a little tart. It uses ripe bananas and fresh or frozen cranberries for good flavor. If you like banana desserts, try this related banana pudding brownies recipe for another easy treat.
why make this recipe
Make this bread because it is simple and fast. It uses common pantry items and ripe bananas. The cranberries add a bright taste that pairs well with banana. You can bake it for breakfast, snack, or a light dessert.
how to make Cranberry Banana Bread
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas and melted butter.
- Mix in the sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) and mix well.
- Stir in the flour and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Ingredients :
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas and melted butter.
- Mix in the sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) and mix well.
- Stir in the flour and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
how to serve Cranberry Banana Bread
Slice the bread and serve warm or at room temperature. It is good plain, with a bit of butter, or a light spread of cream cheese. Serve with tea or coffee for a simple snack.
how to store Cranberry Banana Bread
Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in a toaster oven.
tips to make Cranberry Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and moisture.
- If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them first to avoid turning the batter pink.
- Do not overmix the batter; stir until just combined.
- Check the loaf at 60 minutes; oven times vary.
- If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes.
variation (if any)
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for crunch.
- Stir in 1/4 cup orange zest and 2 tablespoons orange juice for a citrus twist.
- Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
FAQs (minimum three FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes. Use them frozen and fold gently into the batter. This helps keep the batter from turning too pink.
Q: Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
A: Yes. Fill muffin cups about two-thirds full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
Q: How do I know when the bread is done?
A: Insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few dry crumbs. If wet batter sticks, bake a bit longer.
Cranberry Banana Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Banana Bread is soft, sweet, and a little tart, featuring ripe bananas and fresh or frozen cranberries for delightful flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas and melted butter.
- Mix in the sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) and mix well.
- Stir in the flour and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them first to avoid turning the batter pink. Check the loaf at 60 minutes; oven times vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg