Berry Banana Bread Recipe
This delightful twist on the classic banana bread is packed with the sweet, fruity goodness of fresh strawberries and an aromatic touch of orange zest, making it a perfect addition to your breakfast or brunch spread. The added crunch of walnuts elevates the texture, creating a mouthwatering contrast to the soft, moist bread. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out in the kitchen, this Berry Banana Bread recipe from a Pampered Chef cookbook is easy to follow, and it yields two delicious loaves that are sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Recipe Details
| Recipe Name | Berry Banana Bread |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Recipe Category | Breads |
| Servings | 2 loaves |
| Calories | 3093.2 per recipe (approx. 1546.6 per loaf) |
| Recipe Yield | 2 loaves |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon |
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| Fresh strawberries | 1 ½ cups, chopped |
| Eggs | 1 large |
| Orange zest | 1 teaspoon |
| Walnuts (optional) | 1 cup, chopped |
Nutritional Information (Per Recipe)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3093.2 kcal |
| Fat | 159.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 21.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 423 mg |
| Sodium | 1358.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 388.1 g |
| Fiber | 15.4 g |
| Sugar | 221.5 g |
| Protein | 42.9 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is at the right temperature before you start preparing the batter for the perfect baking result.
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Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Whisk these ingredients together until evenly distributed. This will ensure that the bread has a uniform texture and flavor when baked.
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Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of sugar, 1 ½ cups of fresh strawberries (finely chopped), 1 cup of vegetable oil, 3 ripe bananas (mashed), 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Stir everything together until well incorporated. The mashed bananas provide the essential moisture and sweetness, while the strawberries and orange zest will add a lovely fruity aroma to the bread.
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Beat the mixture: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the wet ingredients at medium speed for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing. You’ll notice that the batter becomes light and fluffy as the sugar and eggs blend into the mixture.
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Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula just until the flour is moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser texture. The batter should be thick but pourable.
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Fold in walnuts: If you’re using walnuts, fold 1 cup of chopped walnuts into the batter. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the banana and strawberry.
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Prepare the loaf pans: Grease two 5×9-inch loaf pans with butter or non-stick spray, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
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Bake the bread: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it during the final minutes.
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Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully remove the bread from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow the flavors to settle and make slicing easier.
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Enjoy: Once fully cooled, slice the bread and enjoy a warm, flavorful piece with your morning coffee or as a delicious snack. The combination of bananas, strawberries, and walnuts will create a burst of flavors that everyone will love.
Tips for Success:
- Banana ripeness: For the best banana flavor, make sure the bananas you use are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. Overripe bananas will give the bread a naturally sweet flavor and a moist texture.
- Strawberry variation: Feel free to experiment with different berries, like blueberries or raspberries, depending on what you have on hand or your preferences.
- Storage: Store any leftover Berry Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Berry Banana Bread offers a refreshing change from the usual banana bread by introducing the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries. The subtle kick of orange zest adds a citrusy twist, while the walnuts bring in a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at brunch or just enjoy a homemade treat, this Berry Banana Bread is the perfect balance of fruity, sweet, and nutty flavors.
This easy-to-make bread will quickly become a household favorite, and it’s versatile enough to suit various occasions, from breakfast to dessert or an afternoon snack. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to recipe for using up ripe bananas and berries. Happy baking!
