Cranberry Banana Bread Recipe
Sweet and tangy, warm and inviting, Cranberry Banana Bread is the epitome of comfort food wrapped in a loaf. Picture a slice fresh from the oven, the aroma of sweet bananas merging seamlessly with bursts of tart cranberries, enriching your senses and stirring cherished memories. This delightful recipe encapsulates the best of both worlds; it’s fast enough to whip up in a busy afternoon yet indulgent enough to transport you to a cozy bakery. Whether it’s for a family brunch, a cozy gathering, or simply a treat for yourself, this banana bread has a timeless charm that appeals to all ages.
Can you resist a slice of warm, fragrant bread fresh from the oven?
The mere thought of a warm slice of Cranberry Banana Bread, drizzled with white chocolate glaze and scattered with crunchy pistachios, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This recipe doesn’t just satiate hunger; it ignites nostalgia as you bite into that soft, tender crumb, feeling the sweetness of the bananas mingling with the tartness of cranberries. Don’t you deserve to treat yourself to something special today?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to baking, Cranberry Banana Bread checks all the boxes—a delightful blend of easy preparation and scrumptious results. The benefits of this recipe are hard to resist:
- Quick Prep: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe can be put together in no time.
- Healthy Indulgence: Bananas and cranberries provide natural sweetness, while the optional white chocolate adds a luxurious touch.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, it appeals to both children and adults alike.
- Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients already in your kitchen.
This recipe truly makes for an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients
To create your dream loaf of Cranberry Banana Bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups mashed bananas: The star of the show, bringing moisture and natural sweetness.
- 1/3 cup sour cream: Adds a level of creaminess that blends beautifully with the bananas.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: For that fragrant touch that elevates each bite.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: The base that binds everything together while adding richness.
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar & 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Two types of sweetness that enhance the flavor.
- 2 large eggs: For structure and moisture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone for our bread structure.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: A necessary leavening agent for a light and fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: To enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For that warm, inviting flavor everyone loves.
- 1 1/2 cups whole cranberries: The jewel of the loaf, juicy and tart.
- 1 tablespoon flour: To toss the cranberries and prevent sinking.
- 2 oz white chocolate: For a luscious glaze that melts into the bread.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: To add sweetness and structure to the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: For a double dose of flavor in the glaze.
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream: To create the perfect glaze consistency.
- Pistachios: To add a delightful crunch and a pop of color.
With these sensory-packed ingredients, you’re on your way to a blissful baking experience.
Timing
Creating your Cranberry Banana Bread is a journey filled with sweet anticipation. In just about 15 minutes, you can prep the ingredients and whisk them together, bringing your kitchen to life with the aroma of baking bread. Then, as it bakes away in the oven for 60-70 minutes, you can take the opportunity to get cozy—perhaps brewing a cup of coffee or tea to pair with your upcoming treat. This recipe is perfect for those days when you want a quick fix as well as those moments you wish to indulge in the slow-paced art of baking.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. To start, grease and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This will ensure your delightful creation comes out smoothly after baking.
Next, in a large bowl, mash 1 3/4 cups of bananas, then mix in 1/3 cup sour cream and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Set this banana mixture aside for later.
In another bowl, cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/3 cup light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mix is fluffy and light. Add in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly with the banana mixture until everything is well incorporated.
Now for the dry ingredients! In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—this will ensure a tender crumb.
To give the bread that wonderfully tart flavor, toss 1 1/2 cups of whole cranberries with 1 tablespoon of flour and then gently fold them into the batter.
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs—indicating your bread is perfectly baked.
Once it’s out of the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
For the crowning touch, prepare your white chocolate glaze! Melt 2 oz of white chocolate, then mix in 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream until smooth and thick. Pour over your cooled loaf and sprinkle with chopped pistachios for that irresistible finish.
To store, cover the bread at room temperature for one day, then refrigerate for 2-3 days. If you choose to freeze it, wrap tightly and keep in the freezer for up to three months—just be sure to thaw before serving.
Nutritional Information
Indulging in a slice of Cranberry Banana Bread doesn’t mean abandoning your dietary goals. Each slice is approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying treat without completely derailing your nutrition plans. Just remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to indulge occasionally—life’s too short not to enjoy a delightful slice of homemade bread!
Healthier Alternatives
If you love the idea of this banana bread but are looking to make it a bit lighter, consider these alternatives:
- Low-Sugar: Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt in place of sour cream and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for the glaze.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.
These substitutions can make this recipe accessible to more dietary preferences while still delivering that crave-worthy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry Banana Bread isn’t just delicious on its own. Consider serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or perhaps toasted with a pat of butter for breakfast. This bread shines on holiday tables, effortlessly adding festive flair when cut into slices and arranged on a platter. It’s a versatile dish that will have everyone reaching for just one more piece.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your banana bread turns out perfectly:
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the time. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not dry.
- Texture Issues: Be sure not to overmix your batter; mixing just until combined provides a tender texture.
- Messy Mixing: Use a large enough bowl to avoid spills when combining wet and dry ingredients.
These simple tips will help you achieve that bakery-quality loaf in your own kitchen.
Storing Tips
To enjoy your Cranberry Banana Bread even longer, here are some storing tips:
- Freezing Portions: Slice the bread and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer bag for easy access.
- Reheating Instructions: If you want to enjoy a warm slice later, thaw the slices in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the toaster oven.
With these tips, you’ll always have a delicious treat on hand!
Tempting to Bake It ASAP
Don’t wait—your kitchen awaits the decadent creation that is Cranberry Banana Bread! This recipe is the allure of home-baked goods mingling with the nostalgic warmth of family gatherings. Experience the joy of baking and the satisfaction that comes from sharing a delightful loaf with loved ones. The tender crumb and sweet-tart flavor are simply too good to resist!
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just don’t thaw them before adding; toss them directly into the batter. -
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or almost black for maximum sweetness. -
Can I substitute other fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in blueberries, raspberries, or any other fruit you love. -
Is it possible to make this vegan?
Yes, by substituting eggs with flax eggs and using a dairy-free butter option. -
What’s the best way to store the leftover bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Cranberry Banana Bread
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and tangy, warm and inviting, this Cranberry Banana Bread is the epitome of comfort food wrapped in a loaf, perfect for brunch or a cozy gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups mashed bananas
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups whole cranberries
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 oz white chocolate
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- Pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mash the bananas and mix in sour cream and vanilla extract; set aside.
- Cream together butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Toss cranberries with flour and gently fold into the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then transfer it to a wire rack.
- For the glaze, melt white chocolate and mix with powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth. Pour over cooled bread and sprinkle with pistachios.
Notes
Store at room temperature for one day, then refrigerate for 2-3 days. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
