If you love the cozy flavors of banana bread but want to add a festive, tangy twist, this Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Bursting with sweet ripe bananas, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts, it strikes the perfect balance between moist and textured, making it a delightful treat for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. It’s a simple recipe that comes together quickly but delivers impressive, wholesome flavors that will have everyone asking for more.

Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe. Each item plays a special role: from the ripe bananas that add moisture and natural sweetness, to the cranberries providing a pop of tartness, and the nuts offering a satisfying crunch. The spices and sugars bring warmth and depth, making the bread irresistible.

2 ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient that makes the bread moist and naturally sweet.
1 cup fresh or dried cranberries: Adds a beautiful tart contrast to balance the sweetness.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans): For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the loaf.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bread rise for a light texture.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Gives a hint of molasses richness.
1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter): Contributes to tenderness and richness.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice note that complements the fruit.
Optional: 1/4 tsp nutmeg: For an extra layer of warmth and spice, if you like.

How to Make Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it generously or lining it with parchment paper to ensure your bread releases beautifully once baked.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg if you’re using it. This blend of dry ingredients forms the delicious base that will marry perfectly with your wet ingredients.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend your mashed bananas with both sugars, the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined—this is where the magic of moist texture begins.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overworking the batter can make the bread dense instead of tender, so take your time and mix just until combined.

Step 5: Add Cranberries and Nuts

Now, stir in the cranberries and chopped walnuts (or pecans). These bring that wonderful contrast of tartness and crunch that makes this bread so memorable.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma at this point will be heavenly!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures your slices come out neat without crumbling. Once cool, slice and get ready to indulge.

How to Serve Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a light spread of cream cheese pairs wonderfully with the flavors in this bread. You can also add a few fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for a finishing touch that’s both pretty and tasty.

Side Dishes

This bread works beautifully alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea, making it an ideal breakfast or afternoon snack. For a more substantial meal, pair it with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt for some creamy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread and serving it toasted with a swirl of honey or nut butter for an extra layer of flavor. Or cut into thick slices and make a decadent French toast using this Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe as your base—it’s sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This prevents it from drying out and keeps the flavors fresh.

Freezing

If you want to save it for later, this bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in the freezer. It will keep for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy the taste of homemade bread any time.

Reheating

To enjoy your bread fresh from the freezer, thaw it overnight in the fridge. When ready, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a minute or two. The fresh warmth will bring back all that lovely aroma and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before folding into the batter to avoid adding extra moisture that could change the bread’s texture.

What can I substitute for the walnuts or pecans?

If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, you can omit them or swap in sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a different crunch and texture.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For best flavor and sweetness, use bananas with plenty of brown spots—ripe bananas are softer and sweeter, which definitely enhances this Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, try replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture may vary slightly but it will still taste delicious.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind cranberries are tart, so the sugar balances that out. Reducing too much might affect the bread’s moistness and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to bake and share. Its perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort every time. I warmly encourage you to try it soon—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together into something downright irresistible.

Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe

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3.9 from 33 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 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 a snack. Combining ripe bananas, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, this loaf is lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for added warmth. Ready in just over an hour, it’s a simple, comforting treat that’s sure to please your whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional: 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins

1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven 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 ensure easy removal after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if using. This ensures even distribution of leavening and spices throughout the bread.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the mashed ripe bananas with granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and light.
Add Cranberries and Nuts: Stir in the fresh or dried cranberries along with the chopped walnuts or pecans, distributing them evenly through the batter.
Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top to create an even surface for baking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean and the loaf is golden brown on top.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice and serve.

Notes

Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
Fresh cranberries will add a tart burst, while dried cranberries provide sweetness and chewiness.
Walnuts can be substituted with pecans for a similar nutty flavor.
Do not overmix the batter to prevent the bread from becoming dense.
Storage: Keep the bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes well.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American