Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe that’s both healthy and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This Banana Bread Cranberry recipe is the perfect answer. It's a delightful twist on a classic, bringing the tartness of cranberries to complement the sweetness of ripe bananas. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, proving that delicious dishes don’t have to be complicated. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your banana bread will easily come out of the pan.
Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined. Don't worry about perfection here; a few lumps are okay.
Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread.
Mix in cranberries and nuts: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and nuts (if using). This is a great opportunity to get creative. Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruits.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on it during the last 10-15 minutes, as ovens can vary.
Cool and serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set properly.
Cooking Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Those bananas with brown spots are perfect!
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely before slicing helps it retain its moisture and prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Cranberry Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the cranberries.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Cranberry Banana Bread: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 35-40g Protein: 4-5g
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe is a great addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, especially if you’re looking for an easy recipe to prepare. Enjoy your delicious homemade banana bread!