If you’re looking for the perfect combination of moist banana bread with a burst of tart cranberries, this Banana and Cranberry Bread Recipe is just what you need.
Ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this bread offers a delightful mix of sweetness from bananas and a tangy zing from cranberries.
I love creating treats that bring comfort and joy. One of my all-time favorites is Banana and Cranberry Bread Recipe.
I enjoy how these flavors work together, creating a moist and flavorful loaf that’s hard to resist. The aroma wafting through my kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible.
This Banana and Cranberry Bread Recipe is incredibly easy to make, and it’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. I can’t wait to share this gem with you.
Let’s dive into making this delicious Banana and Cranberry Bread together!
How To Prepare Banana And Cranberry Bread Recipe?
Recipe Details
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15-20 minutes
Course: Breakfast, snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Yield: 1 loaf
What You’ll Need for this Recipe
Kitchen Utensils:
- Mixing Bowls,
- Measuring Cups And Spoons,
- Loaf Pan,
- Whisk,
- Spatula
Ingredients List
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the better for added sweetness)
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries (if using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and then drain)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for added warmth)
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional for extra flavor)
How To Make Banana and Cranberry Bread Recipe
1. Preheat and Prepare the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and the optional ground cinnamon and nutmeg. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are well-combined and helps avoid clumps in your batter.
3. Mash the Bananas
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth. The ripeness of the bananas will determine how sweet the bread turns out. The riper they are, the better!
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and eggs. Beat these together until creamy. Then, add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Stir in the buttermilk until the mixture is smooth.
5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients from step 2 into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a dense loaf.
6. Fold in Cranberries
Gently fold the cranberries into the batter. Make sure they are evenly distributed so every slice of bread gets a good amount of tartness from the cranberries. If you’re using fresh cranberries, toss them lightly in flour before folding them in to prevent sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
7. Pour the Batter
Once the batter is well mixed, pour it into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
8. Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done.
9. Cool the Bread
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to ensure the bread sets properly and is easy to slice.
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 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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Banana and Cranberry Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- loaf pan,
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas mashed (the riper, the better for added sweetness)
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries if using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and then drain
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional for added warmth
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional for extra flavor
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and the optional ground cinnamon and nutmeg. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are well-combined and helps avoid clumps in your batter.
Mash the Bananas
- In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth. The ripeness of the bananas will determine how sweet the bread turns out. The riper they are, the better!
Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and eggs. Beat these together until creamy. Then, add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Stir in the buttermilk until the mixture is smooth.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
- Slowly add the dry ingredients from step 2 into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a dense loaf.
Fold in Cranberries
- Gently fold the cranberries into the batter. Make sure they are evenly distributed so every slice of bread gets a good amount of tartness from the cranberries. If you’re using fresh cranberries, toss them lightly in flour before folding them in to prevent sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
Pour the Batter
- Once the batter is well mixed, pour it into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
Bake the Bread
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done.
Cool the Bread
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to ensure the bread sets properly and is easy to slice.