Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the cozy, inviting aroma of freshly baked Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread wafting through your kitchen. This quick bread is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, blending naturally sweet bananas with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts. It’s tender, fragrant, and so simple to make, yet impressive enough to serve at a holiday brunch or enjoy for a weekday breakfast. Whether you’re a banana bread loyalist or love a pop of cranberry, this recipe is bound to become your go-to loaf for any occasion—trust me, you’re going to savor every slice!

Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how the ingredients for Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread come together effortlessly, each one playing a role in flavor, texture, or that perfect golden crumb. Don’t skip any—each is a building block for a loaf you’ll love sharing.

  • Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and keep the bread moist and tender.
  • Granulated sugar: Brings the perfect amount of sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
  • Brown sugar: Adds deeper, caramel notes, making the crumb extra flavorful and soft.
  • Vegetable oil: Keeps the loaf rich and moist—no dry banana bread here.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together and give the bread structure.
  • Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors and adds a lovely bakery-fresh aroma.
  • All-purpose flour: The backbone of your loaf, ensuring just the right texture.
  • Baking soda: Helps the bread rise, creating a perfectly domed top.
  • Salt: Balances all the sweet and tart flavors beautifully.
  • Ground cinnamon: Adds a gentle warmth that beautifully complements bananas and cranberries.
  • Chopped walnuts: Give a satisfying crunch in every bite, plus classic nutty flavor.
  • Fresh or dried cranberries: Provide bursts of tartness and color—soaked if dried for extra juiciness.

How to Make Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread bakes evenly and develops that gorgeous golden top. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later—no sticking, no stress!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and everything looks beautifully blended. These wet ingredients are the heart of your loaf, bringing moisture and sweetness in every bite.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This prevents clumps and makes sure the baking soda and spices are dispersed evenly throughout the loaf, leaving you with a uniform texture and flavor from edge to center.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—just until you don’t see any streaks of flour. This is the secret to keeping the Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread tender and fluffy, not tough.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries and Walnuts

Now for the fun part! Fold in those gorgeous cranberries and chopped walnuts. If you’re using dried cranberries, don’t forget to soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes; it plumps them up and ensures juicy pops of sweetness. Stir gently to distribute everything so that every bite is loaded with goodies.

Step 6: Into the Pan and Into the Oven

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. Place it in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is ready!

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps set its structure. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Patience pays off here, I promise. Slicing too soon can lead to a crumbly loaf, but once it cools, each piece will cut clean and neat.

How to Serve Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread

Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch and extra sweetness. For a special twist, try drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of orange juice for that bakery-style finish. A few extra chopped walnuts or cranberries on top also make for a beautiful presentation.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs so well with creamy Greek yogurt, a knob of salted butter, or a dollop of honey. If you’re hosting a brunch, serve slices alongside fresh fruit or a vibrant fruit salad to balance the richness. It’s also delightful with your morning coffee or a steaming mug of spiced tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread into thick slabs and toasting them lightly for a satisfying crunch. You can also turn leftover slices into decadent French toast or cube them for a bread pudding or trifle. For gift-giving, wrap individual slices in wax paper and tie with twine for a thoughtful homemade treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any loaf left (good luck!), wrap it tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and moist for up to 3 days—just remember to keep it sealed to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil or a freezer-safe bag. Pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or give it a quick warm-up in the microwave for instant bliss.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked magic, warm slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or toast them lightly. This brings back the bread’s moisture and gives the crust a delightful texture. Perfect for those chilly mornings or a snuggly afternoon snack!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh or dried?

Absolutely! Toss frozen cranberries in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter—this helps prevent them from sinking. No need to thaw first, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time and check doneness as usual.

What can I substitute for walnuts if I have a nut allergy?

You can skip the nuts entirely or use sunflower seeds or pepitas for a crunch without allergens. The bread will still be moist and flavorful thanks to the bananas and cranberries.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, with a few easy swaps! Use flax or chia eggs in place of regular eggs and substitute a neutral plant-based oil. Double-check that your sugars are vegan-friendly, and you’ll have a delicious vegan Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Start testing at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or has just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. Ovens vary, so keep a close eye during the final 10 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Can I add extra mix-ins like chocolate chips or orange zest?

Definitely! Stir in up to half a cup of chocolate chips for a decadent touch, or a tablespoon of orange zest for bright, citrusy flavor—it’s a fun way to put your own spin on Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread.

Final Thoughts

There’s really something magical about pulling a loaf of Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread out of the oven and sharing it warm with family or friends. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it a new tradition in your kitchen. Let every bite remind you just how simple—and delicious—homemade baking can be!

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Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

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

Description

This Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread is a delightful twist on classic banana bread, with the tartness of cranberries and crunch of walnuts enhancing every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

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

Mix-ins:

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stir until just combined.
  5. Add mix-ins: Gently fold in walnuts and cranberries.
  6. Bake: Pour batter into the pan, bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften before adding.
  • This bread freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Try adding orange zest for a bright, citrusy twist.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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