Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Christmas Banana Bread with Cranberries & Orange Zest Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 52 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings (1 large loaf and 1 small loaf or 4 small loaves) 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Christmas Banana Bread with Cranberries & Orange Zest is a delightful quick bread that combines the sweetness of bananas and cranberries with the refreshing brightness of orange zest and juice. Perfect for brunch, gifting, or freezing, this loaf is moist, flavorful, and festive, delivering cozy holiday vibes in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp. fresh orange juice
  • 2 Tbsp. orange zest
  • 1 cup dried sweetened cranberries
  • ¼ cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour one 9-inch large loaf pan and one small loaf pan, or four small loaf pans if preferred, to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This incorporates air, contributing to a tender bread texture.
  3. Add Eggs: Beat the eggs and add them to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine well.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet batter. Stir gently to combine without overmixing to avoid a dense bread.
  6. Add Bananas, Sour Cream, and Flavorings: Fold in the mashed bananas, sour cream, vanilla extract, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest. Mix well to incorporate these moistening and flavor components evenly.
  7. Add Cranberries and Walnuts: Stir in the dried sweetened cranberries and chopped walnuts, if using, to add texture and bursts of flavor throughout the bread.
  8. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans. Bake the large loaf for 50 to 55 minutes, or the small pans for 33 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove from pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Wrap with paper and tie a festive string if gifting.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
  • You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier taste and added protein.
  • Walnuts are optional but add nice crunch and depth.
  • Store the banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
  • For a gluten-free variation, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

Find it online: https://recipes.mbeams.com/christmas-banana-bread-with-cranberries-and-orange-zest-recipe/