Cranberry Banana Bread: Sweet, Tart, and Perfectly Moist
Imagine the aroma of warm banana bread filling your kitchen, mingling with the tart, fruity scent of fresh cranberries. Cranberry Banana Bread offers a delightful twist on the classic favorite, balancing the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the bright, tangy flavor of cranberries. Each slice is moist, tender, and packed with wholesome flavor, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack with coffee or tea.
Baking this bread at home allows you to control sweetness, texture, and ingredients, creating a loaf that feels indulgent yet nourishing. Ripe bananas lend natural sweetness and moisture, while cranberries introduce a tart contrast that keeps each bite interesting. Golden crusts, soft interiors, and bursts of cranberry flavor make this bread a standout in any kitchen. Whether you are a seasoned baker or trying a simple homemade bread for the first time, Cranberry Banana Bread is a versatile recipe that never disappoints.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make one standard loaf (approx. 12 slices):
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe bananas | 3 medium | 315 kcal |
| Fresh or dried cranberries | 1 cup | 50–130 kcal |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | 910 kcal |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | 580 kcal |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup | 210 kcal |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 kcal |
| Unsalted butter, melted | ½ cup | 810 kcal |
| Milk | ¼ cup | 30 kcal |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | 0 kcal |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | 2 kcal |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 kcal |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 kcal |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | 6 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mash Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix until fully combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Stir until just combined; overmixing can make the bread dense.
6. Fold in Cranberries
Gently fold in fresh or dried cranberries. If using fresh cranberries, toss them lightly in flour to prevent sinking.
7. Fill the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
9. Cool
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and depth of flavor.
- Sweet Variation: Mix in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Whole Grain Option: Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a more wholesome loaf.
- Spice Boost: Add nutmeg or pumpkin spice for added warmth.
- Sugar Adjustment: Reduce sugar by ¼ cup for a less sweet, naturally flavored bread.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250–300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45–50 g |
| Protein | 4–5 g |
| Fat | 10–12 g |
| Fiber | 2–3 g |
| Sugar | 22–25 g |
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry Banana Bread is delicious on its own or lightly toasted with butter or cream cheese. Pair it with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast, serve as part of a brunch spread, or enjoy it as an afternoon snack. Slightly stale slices can be used for French toast or breadcrumbs.
Cranberry Banana Bread: Sweet, Tart, and Perfectly Moist
1
servings15
minutes50
minutes250-300
kcalIngredients
3 medium ripe bananas
1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup milk
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix in melted butter, sugars, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract with the mashed bananas.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Add Cranberries: Gently fold in cranberries (toss fresh cranberries in flour first to prevent sinking).
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake 50–60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let bread cool in the pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use ripe bananas: Overripe bananas with brown spots are sweeter and create a moist, tender loaf.
Cranberry tips: Toss fresh cranberries lightly in flour before folding them into the batter to prevent sinking.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh or dried cranberries in this bread?
Both work well! Fresh cranberries give a tart pop, while dried cranberries add sweetness and chewy texture. If using dried cranberries, you may want to slightly reduce the sugar in the recipe.
2. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with structure and texture.
3. How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots are sweeter and softer, which helps create a moist, flavorful loaf.
4. Can I use butter instead of oil?
Absolutely. Melted butter adds richness and flavor. You can also use coconut oil for a slightly different taste.
5. How do I prevent cranberries from sinking to the bottom?
Lightly toss fresh cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them evenly throughout the bread.
Conclusion
Cranberry Banana Bread perfectly balances sweetness and tartness, creating a moist, flavorful loaf that is both comforting and versatile. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and endless customization options make this bread ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Baking this loaf fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and offers a homemade treat that is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with loved ones.
