Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This banana bread recipe with shortening delivers moist, flavorful bread perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. It's a classic for a reason, and using shortening creates a wonderfully tender crumb. This recipe is a great example of homemade cooking at its finest – simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious. Get ready to enjoy this quick dinner alternative or a delightful addition to your healthy meals!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) shortening, at room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended!)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your banana bread releases easily.
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer works great, but a hand mixer will do just fine. Make sure the shortening is truly at room temperature for best results.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
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Add Nuts (Optional): Stir in the nuts, if desired.
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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.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to dig in while it's still warm – although we understand the temptation!
Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Ripe Bananas are Key: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and shortening are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a smoother batter.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Toothpick Test: The best way to check for doneness is to insert a wooden skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the nuts.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add ½ teaspoon of nutmeg and ½ teaspoon of allspice along with the cinnamon.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Make a simple cream cheese frosting (cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla) and swirl it into the batter before baking for a delicious surprise.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and slice size. For a general estimate, a slice of this banana bread contains roughly:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 3-4g
This easy banana bread recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying treat – it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser! This recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic baked good. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of food recipes and easy recipes, making it ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike.