Name: Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-489510H14M13S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; ½ cup sugar; ⅓ cup oil or melted butter; 2 eggs; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans; ½ cup dried cranberries

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If you’re looking for a delightful way to jazz up your usual banana bread, this Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe is the perfect answer. Imagine the comforting moistness of ripe bananas woven through a tender crumb, brightened by the tart pop of dried cranberries and the satisfying crunch of toasted nuts. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that brings a fresh twist to a classic loaf, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, snack time, or even as a cozy dessert accompaniment. The simplicity of this recipe makes it approachable for bakers of all levels, leaving you with a loaf that tastes like a warm hug wrapped in a slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center is a clear glass bowl filled with six cubes of pale yellow butter. Above and to the right, there is a white bowl holding fine white flour. Next to it is a smaller white bowl filled with granulated white sugar. To the left of the flour is another bowl with small golden chunks of cornflakes. Below the cornflakes, a small white bowl contains red dried cranberries. To the right of the cranberries, another white bowl holds small, light brown chopped nuts. In the top left corner of the image, a small part of a clear glass jar with orange liquid is visible. There is a metal hand mixer with two beaters at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe relies on humble, everyday ingredients that are each key to building its signature flavor and texture. From the sweet earthiness of ripe bananas to the delicate tartness of cranberries and the buttery crunch of nuts, every component plays an essential role.

2 ripe bananas, mashed: The natural sweetness and moisture base that makes the bread wonderfully tender.
½ cup sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
⅓ cup oil or melted butter: Enhances moisture and richness without weighing down the bread.
2 eggs: Bind everything together and give the bread structure.
1 ½ cups flour: Creates the sturdy body of the loaf while keeping it light.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bread rise and stay soft.
½ tsp salt: Elevates all the flavors by balancing sweetness and sourness.
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds crunch and a toasty, nutty note to every bite.
½ cup dried cranberries: Bring tart bursts that contrast beautifully with the sweet banana.

How to Make Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or oil. This simple prep step ensures your bread will come out cleanly without sticking, ready for all that goodness to shine.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, sugar, oil (or melted butter), and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This blend forms the flavorful, moist foundation of your bread.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This trio is critical to getting your bread to rise perfectly and hold just the right crumb texture.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so a light touch is best here.

Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries and Nuts

Gently incorporate the dried cranberries and chopped nuts, distributing these bursts of color, flavor, and crunch evenly throughout the batter. This is where your loaf starts to stand out from the ordinary.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let it cool slightly before slicing to let all the flavors settle and the moisture distribute evenly.

How to Serve Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe

The image shows a loaf of baked bread in a clear rectangular glass pan sitting on a black stove. The bread has a golden-brown crust with a slightly uneven and cracked top surface. The texture looks crunchy and thick, with some darker spots showing a richer baked color. There is a visible small section where the top layer cracked more deeply, revealing a softer, lighter inside. Around the glass pan, part of the stove's grates and control knobs are visible. The background has been changed to a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Want to elevate the presentation and taste? Try a light dusting of powdered sugar on top or a thin spread of softened butter just before serving. For special occasions, a drizzle of honey or cream cheese frosting can add a luscious finish that complements the bread’s tart and nutty notes.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy morning start. For a heartier snack or light dessert, serve alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn slices of this bread into delightful French toast by dipping in egg batter and frying until golden. You can also cube the loaf and toast it lightly to toss into salads as croutons or serve alongside creamy dips for an unexpected twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store it at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the loaf moist and fresh, perfect for quick snacking anytime.

Freezing

This Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice the bread and wrap the slices individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen slices can last up to three months, making your future breakfasts or snacks effortless.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, thaw slices at room temperature or warm them in the toaster, oven, or microwave. Reheating brings back that freshly-baked aroma and texture, making each bite feel just out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?

Fresh cranberries can make the bread quite tart and add extra moisture, which might require slight adjustments in baking time or dry ingredients. Dried cranberries provide a balanced sweetness and texture that works best for this recipe.

What type of nuts are best for this bread?

Walnuts and pecans are both excellent choices because they complement the flavors without overpowering them. Toasting the nuts lightly before folding them in can enhance their flavor even more.

Can I substitute the oil with melted butter?

Absolutely! Melted butter adds a rich, indulgent flavor, while oil keeps the bread a bit lighter. Both work well, so feel free to choose according to your preference or what you have on hand.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better! Overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots have the sweetest flavor and work perfectly to create that moist texture essential to this bread.

Is this bread suitable for freezing and how do I best freeze it?

Yes, this bread freezes wonderfully. Slice and wrap individual pieces tightly before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy single servings without thawing the whole loaf.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe. It manages to feel classic and comforting, yet refreshingly unique with its bright cranberry bursts and nutty crunch. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro looking for a simple but delicious treat, this bread hits all the right notes. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth and joy to every slice shared with friends and family.