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Christmas Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://annakocht.com/christmas-banana-bread-recipe/