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.
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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.
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