Banana and Cranberry Bread Recipe – Sweet Meets

Baking has always been a calming escape for me, and this Banana and Cranberry Bread Recipe was born on a quiet weekend morning, when I had a bowl of overripe bananas and a handful of leftover cranberries from a holiday recipe.

One day, I had ripe bananas sitting on my kitchen counter and some leftover cranberries, so I thought, why not combine these two in a unique bread recipe?

The idea for a Banana and Cranberry Bread Recipe came naturally, as both ingredients are rich in flavor and texture, and I imagined they would complement each other perfectly.

What sets this Banana and Cranberry Bread Recipe apart is the balance of sweetness from the bananas with the tartness of the cranberries, creating a delightful contrast.

The addition of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg elevates the flavors, making it a cozy yet refreshing treat.

Let’s dive into making this delicious Banana and Cranberry Bread Recipe together!

How To Prepare Banana And Cranberry Bread Recipe?

🕒 Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55–60 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
• Course: Dessert / Snack / Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: Approx. 280 per slice (based on 10 slices)
• Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices)

What You’ll Need For This Recipe

🧰 Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
• Cooling rack
• Toothpick (for doneness check)

👩‍🍳 Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed overripe bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
• 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried; if using dried, soak in warm water for 10 minutes and drain)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk (whole or any preferred variety)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans, or pistachios)

🥣 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, mash the overripe bananas until smooth using a fork or potato masher. Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk to the bananas. Whisk until well blended.

3. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Mix just until combined—do not overmix. Gently fold in the cranberries and chopped nuts using a spatula.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Amazing Serving Suggestions

1. Banana and Cranberry Bread can be enjoyed in several ways. Here are a few suggestions for serving:

2. Warm slices with butter: Serve warm with a thin spread of butter for a classic and comforting snack.

3. Toasted with cream cheese: Toast the slices and spread some cream cheese on top for a creamy and tangy contrast.

4. As a dessert: Drizzle a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet dessert option.

5. With tea or coffee: Pair this bread with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a delightful treat.

Tips And Variations

1. Use Overripe Bananas

The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be. Bananas with brown spots are ideal for this recipe, as they add natural sweetness and moisture.

2. Substitute Cranberries

If cranberries aren’t in season or available, you can substitute them with blueberries, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips. This adds a different twist to the recipe while maintaining the same delicious base.

3. Add a Crunchy Topping

For added texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the batter before baking. This gives the bread a crunchy, nutty topping that pairs beautifully with the soft crumb of the bread.

4. Make Muffins Instead

If you prefer smaller portions, turn this banana and cranberry bread recipe into muffins! Simply divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 20 to 25 minutes.

Health Benefits Of Banana And Cranberry Bread

This Banana and Cranberry Bread Recipe is not only delicious but also comes with a few health benefits thanks to the natural ingredients used:

Bananas are rich in potassium, which is essential for heart health and maintaining proper muscle function. They also add natural sweetness to the bread, reducing the need for added sugars.

Cranberries, whether fresh or dried, are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, known to boost the immune system and help with digestion.

The combination of bananas and cranberries adds fiber to this recipe, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.

Conclusion

This Banana and Cranberry Bread Recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. The harmonious blend of sweet bananas and tart cranberries creates a delightful flavor that’s both comforting and refreshing.

This easy-to-make Banana and Cranberry Bread Recipe is perfect for any time of day—whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Each slice offers a moist and tender texture that makes it truly irresistible.

I hope you enjoy making this bread as much as I do. It’s sure to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. Happy baking, and savor every delicious bite!

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