Christmas Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Christmas Banana Bread is a festive twist on a classic favorite. Bursting with citrus zest, cranberries, and the warmth of walnuts, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter mornings. Easy to make and wonderfully moist, it brings both comfort and cheer to your table.

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 tsp. fresh orange juice
• 2 Tbsp. orange zest
• 1 cup dried sweetened cranberries
• ¼ cup walnuts (chopped, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour one 9-inch loaf pan and a small loaf pan if using.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Add the beaten eggs and mix well to combine.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture.
4. Step 4: Stir in the sour cream, mashed bananas, vanilla, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until well incorporated.
5. Step 5: Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts, mixing gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pans. Bake the large loaf for 50-55 minutes, or the small loaf for 33-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: Once cooled, wrap the loaf in paper and tie with a string for a festive presentation—perfect for gift-giving or holiday decor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, try substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream.
• Swap walnuts for pecans if preferred, or leave nuts out for a nut-free option.
• Use fresh cranberries for a tart contrast, but increase sugar slightly to balance flavors.
• If you like a spiced touch, add ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.

Storage

Store the banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave briefly until just heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well as long as they are fully thawed and mashed before using. They may add extra moisture, so drain any excess liquid if needed.

Can I make this bread vegan?

To make a vegan version, replace butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax or chia eggs instead of regular eggs, and substitute sour cream with a vegan yogurt or coconut cream. The texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Christmas Banana Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 130 reviews

This festive Christmas Banana Bread brings the warmth of ripe bananas combined with tangy orange zest and sweetened cranberries, creating a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for holiday gatherings. Enhanced with walnuts for a delightful crunch, this bread is easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection, making it an ideal seasonal treat for breakfast or dessert.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 large 9-inch loaf (about 10–12 slices) or 1 small loaf 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 tsp. fresh orange juice

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt

Add-ins

• 2 Tbsp. orange zest
• 1 cup dried sweetened cranberries
• ¼ cup walnuts (chopped, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour one 9-inch loaf pan and an additional small loaf pan if you wish to make a smaller loaf.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, which normally takes about 3-5 minutes. This step helps to incorporate air for a tender crumb.
3. Add Eggs: Beat the eggs separately, then add them to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined without overmixing, which keeps the bread tender.
6. Add Flavorings and Add-ins: Stir in the sour cream, mashed bananas, vanilla extract, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Then fold in the dried sweetened cranberries and chopped walnuts if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
7. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan(s). Bake the large loaf for 50-55 minutes or the small loaf for 33-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
8. Cool and Remove: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Wrap and Decorate: Once cooled, wrap the banana bread with paper and tie a string around it for a charming, Christmas-themed presentation ideal for gifting or holiday display.

Notes

• For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts.
• You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and added protein.
• Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Fresh orange juice and zest brighten the flavor, but can be replaced with lemon zest and juice if preferred.
• Store the banana bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• The dried cranberries add a festive touch and complement the orange flavors beautifully.

Keywords: Christmas, Banana Bread, Holiday Bread, Cranberries, Orange Zest, Festive, Moist Bread, Quick Bread, Nut Bread