Are you ready to elevate your baking game with a delightful twist on a classic favorite? This Orange Banana Bread with Cranberries is not just any loaf; it’s a burst of sunshine and flavor that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart. Imagine the sweet aroma of ripe bananas mingling with zesty orange and tart cranberries wafting through your kitchen—it's a heavenly experience you won't want to miss! Whether you're looking for a cozy breakfast treat or a sweet snack to impress your guests, this recipe is your ticket to deliciousness. Dive into the details and discover how to create this mouthwatering loaf that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the banana bread.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Ensure there are no large chunks remaining.
- Add the 1/2 cup sugar to the mashed bananas and mix well until combined.
- Pour in the 1/4 cup of orange juice and add the 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
- Crack the 2 large eggs into the bowl and whisk them into the banana mixture until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Fold in the 1 cup of dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve your delicious Orange Banana Bread with Cranberries. Enjoy it as a delightful breakfast or a sweet snack!
Tips
- Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best results!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so be gentle!
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize your bread by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread at the 50-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is done.
- Cool Properly: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Storage Tips: Store your Orange Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months for a quick treat anytime!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg