Cranberry Banana Bread
on Aug 16, 2022
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The tart flavor of fresh cranberries combines with creamy bananas to make this decadent Cranberry Banana Bread. Serve it to guests at your next casual get-together!
You’ll love the sweet and tart flavor of this Cranberry Banana Bread. Enjoy it warm with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- unsalted butter
- sugar
- banana
- vanilla extract
- milk
- eggs
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
- cranberries
- chopped nuts
- optional for the icing: confectioner’s sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Make Cranberry Banana Bread
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the oven rack in the center. Grease an 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch loaf pan.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar.
- Add the banana, vanilla, milk, and eggs. Mix well until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients, mixing just until moist. Stir in the cranberries and nuts.
- Spread the batter evenly in the loaf pan and bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it from the pan to a cooling rack.
How To Make The Optional Vanilla Icing:
- Sift the confectioner’s sugar into a large bowl. Add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition until you have the desired consistency.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and drizzle the icing over the cooled bread.
Tips And Tricks
- For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas. They should be covered in black spots.
- Freeze leftover fresh cranberries in a freezer-safe container for 8-12 months.
- Walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be used in this recipe. Toasting the nuts until they’re fragrant enhances their flavor.
- Feel free to add a pinch of warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a delicious twist.
- Drizzle the bread with vanilla icing if desired.
How To Store Cranberry Banana Bread
Cranberry Banana Bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or in the fridge for 3-4 days. After removing it from the fridge, pop a slice into the microwave and heat for about 10 seconds until warm.
This bread can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight, slice, and either heat in the microwave or toaster until warm.
Cranberry Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup very ripe banana, mashed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
- ½ cup chopped nuts
Optional Vanilla Icing
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream, as needed to thin the icing
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the oven rack in the center. Grease an 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch loaf pan.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar.
- Add the banana, vanilla, milk, and eggs. Mix well until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients, mixing just until moist. Stir in the cranberries and nuts.
- Spread the batter evenly in the loaf pan and bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it from the pan to a cooling rack.
Optional Vanilla Icing:
- Sift the confectioner’s sugar into a large bowl. Add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition until you have the desired consistency.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and drizzle the icing over the cooled bread.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
