Reasons to Love this Recipe
There’s something about banana bread that feels like a warm hug – it’s simple, familiar, and so easy to make. But what if we could give it a seasonal twist? Enter: Cranberry Banana Bread!
Quick and Easy – Made with a handful of simple ingredients and ready in an hour. It’s the most delicious quick bread. Full of flavor – This bread combines the sweetness of the bananas with the tanginess of yogurt, the slight tartness of cranberries, and the crunch of nutty walnuts. Moist and tender – Has a soft crumb thanks to the moisture from the ripe bananas and Greek yogurt. Delicious holiday breakfast – This is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for your family and loved ones. It will also make for a sweet, thoughtful gift during the Christmas season.
Ingredients
Storage
Once cooled, store in an airtight container for 1-2 days on the counter or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
White whole wheat flour – I love baking with this flour because it’s the same nutritionally as whole wheat flour but is lighter in texture and a little sweeter in flavor. Bananas – Be sure to use overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. The more ripe they are, the sweeter and more moist the bread will be. Eggs – Use room temperature eggs for best results! Greek yogurt – Adds moisture while adding a healthy dose of protein, fat, and calcium. Whole milk, plain yogurt will work best. If dairy-free, you can use any Greek-style plant-based alternative. Pure maple syrup – A great unrefined sugar alternative. You can also use honey, if preferred. Cranberries – You can use fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw). Buy an extra bag and make this healthy cranberry sauce that’s naturally sweetened.
Substitutions and Varitations
If you’re looking to personalize your cranberry banana bread or adapt it for specific dietary needs, there are plenty of simple swaps and creative add-ins that can make this recipe just right for you. Here are some easy substitutions and tasty variations to try!
Extra add-ins – Add some chocolate chips for extra sweetness and chocolatey flavor or fresh orange zest for a burst of brightness. Cranberry Alternatives – Dried cranberries work in a pinch, though they will be sweeter and less tart. If using dried cranberries, try reducing the maple syrup slightly. You can also substitute with other fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different twist. Flavor Booster – Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a cozy, spiced flavor that complements the bananas and cranberries. Mini Loaves or Muffins – Pour the batter into muffin tins or mini loaf pans for a grab-and-go option. Reduce baking time to around 20-25 minutes for muffins or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Freeze:
A whole loaf of bread – cool completely, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place in the freezer bag. Will keep for up to 3 months. Individual slices – Stack two to four slices, separating each with a small piece of waxed or parchment paper and wrap each stack in plastic wrap, and place in the freezer bag. Flash freeze – As I recommend for freezing muffins – This will eliminate the need for individual wrapping.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
