Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a luscious, crowd-pleasing quick bread that sings with flavor and comes together with ease, this Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread is everything you want and more. A moist, tender crumb from ripe bananas, a delightful tartness from cranberries, and the toasty crunch of nuts all come together in a loaf that’s as perfect for lazy weekends as it is for holiday gifting. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll find yourself making on repeat—it’s just that comforting, simple, and irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread is that every ingredient serves a purpose, bringing out layers of flavor, color, and texture. These staples might already be in your kitchen, but together, they create a loaf that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure and a soft, tender crumb.
• Baking soda: Gives the loaf its beautiful rise and lightness.
• Baking powder: Ensures extra lift and a perfectly domed top.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors.
• Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and a hint of spice to every bite.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the bread rich, moist, and oh-so-buttery.
• Brown sugar: Lends a deep, caramelly sweetness and moisture.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and give the bread structure.
• Mashed ripe bananas (about 3): The star ingredient for flavor, moisture, and natural sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the loaf with a lovely, aromatic note.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans: Add crunch and a rich, nutty finish.
• Dried cranberries (or fresh/frozen, tossed in flour): Bring a pop of tartness and festive color to each slice.

How to Make Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper—this makes sure your easy cranberry banana nut bread comes out clean, with beautiful edges every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This simple step ensures your leaveners and spices are evenly distributed, so every bite tastes just right.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air, giving your bread a lovely, tender texture and a caramel-like sweetness.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Bananas, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Then, mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. This step infuses the batter with moisture and loads of banana flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Over-mixing will make your bread tough, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Step 6: Fold in Nuts and Cranberries

With a spatula, gently fold in the chopped nuts and cranberries. This ensures they’re evenly distributed, giving every slice a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty bites.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma alone will have everyone hovering in the kitchen!

How to Serve Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread

Garnishes

For a touch of elegance, try dusting the cooled loaf with powdered sugar, scattering extra chopped nuts on top, or drizzling with a zippy orange glaze. These garnishes add color and a bit of sparkle, making your easy cranberry banana nut bread look as festive as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This bread is delightful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a pat of creamy salted butter, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a spoonful of fruit preserves. For a brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the loaf thickly and arrange on a pretty platter for family gatherings, or wrap individual slices in parchment for lunchbox treats. For a holiday breakfast, try cutting the bread into cubes and serving with a honey yogurt dip or even using it as the base for an indulgent bread pudding.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, wrap your easy cranberry banana nut bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It will keep beautifully at room temperature for up to three days, staying moist and flavorful for snacking anytime.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the bread and wrap each piece individually, or freeze the whole loaf in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature overnight when cravings strike.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toast it lightly. The cranberries plump up, the nuts get extra toasty, and the banana aroma fills the air all over again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen cranberries instead of dried?

Absolutely! Just toss fresh or frozen cranberries with a little flour before adding—they’ll add juicy bursts of tartness and a gorgeous pop of color to your easy cranberry banana nut bread.

How can I make this bread lighter or lower in fat?

Try swapping half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. The bread will still be moist and delicious, with a slightly lighter crumb and fewer calories.

Do I need to toast the nuts before adding them?

While not essential, toasting the walnuts or pecans brings out their flavor and adds extra crunch. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet does the trick!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake two loaves side by side. Just make sure your pans are the same size and check for doneness with a toothpick near the end of baking.

What’s the best way to mash bananas for this recipe?

Use very ripe, spotty bananas and mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth but still a little chunky. The texture they provide is perfect for easy cranberry banana nut bread.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking a loaf of Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread, especially knowing how much everyone will love it. Whether you’re sharing it with friends over coffee or sneaking a slice for yourself, this bread is bound to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised when it disappears in a flash!

Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 10 slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast or dessert. Packed with ripe bananas, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of cinnamon spice. Simple to prepare and bake, it’s a comforting treat ideal for festive occasions or everyday enjoyment.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ¾ cup dried cranberries (or fresh/frozen cranberries tossed in 1 tablespoon flour)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined to ensure an even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
4. Add Eggs and Bananas: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then add the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract, mixing until the wet ingredients are fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until no flour streaks remain to avoid overmixing which can make the bread tough.
6. Fold in Nuts and Cranberries: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
8. Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to maintain its shape and texture.

Notes

• You can substitute applesauce for half the butter to make the bread lighter and reduce fat content.
• For a festive twist, add orange zest to the batter or drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cooled bread.
• Store the bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg