There’s something truly special about the combination of bananas, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. This Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread is moist, bursting with flavor, and the perfect way to use up ripe bananas. Whether you enjoy it warm with butter or alongside your morning coffee, this quick bread will quickly become a household favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist & Flavorful – The ripe bananas create a naturally sweet, tender loaf, while the cranberries add a delightful tartness
- Simple Ingredients – Everything you need is likely already in your pantry
- Perfect for Any Time of Day – Great for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert
- Make-Ahead Friendly – This bread stores well, so you can bake it in advance for busy mornings
What Does Cranberry Banana Nut Bread Taste Like?
Think of classic banana bread, but with a twist! The bananas give it a soft, rich texture, the cranberries add a pop of tartness, and the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors
Benefits of Cranberry Banana Nut Bread
- Packed with Nutrients – Bananas provide potassium, cranberries are rich in antioxidants, and walnuts add heart-healthy fats
- No Mixer Required – Just a bowl and a spoon make this a super easy recipe
- Great for Gifting – Wrap up a loaf for friends and family during the holidays or as a thoughtful homemade treat
Ingredients
To make this delicious Cranberry Banana Nut Bread, you’ll need
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the bread, providing structure
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bread rise
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Adds extra lift and lightness
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors
- 3 ripe bananas – The key to a naturally sweet and moist bread
- 3/4 cup white sugar – Balances the tart cranberries
- 1 egg – Adds richness and binds the ingredients
- 1/3 cup melted butter – Brings flavor and moisture
- 1 cup fresh cranberries – Adds a burst of tartness in every bite
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts – A crunchy, nutty addition
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
Want to customize your loaf? Here are some easy swaps and add-ins
- No fresh cranberries? Use dried cranberries (reduce sugar slightly)
- Dairy-free? Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter
- Nut-free? Skip the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds
- Add a streusel topping for an extra crunch
- Try chocolate chips for a sweeter variation
How to Make Cranberry Banana Nut Bread
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt
Step 3: Mash the Bananas
In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add sugar, egg, and melted butter. Stir until well combined
Step 5: Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until combined
Step 6: Fold in Cranberries & Walnuts
Gently fold in the cranberries and walnuts, making sure they are evenly distributed
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing
What to Serve with Cranberry Banana Nut Bread
- A spread of butter or cream cheese
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- A warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa
- A side of Greek yogurt for extra protein
Tips for the Best Cranberry Banana Nut Bread
- Use ripe bananas – The riper, the better! Brown spots mean natural sweetness
- Don’t overmix – This keeps the bread soft and tender
- Toss cranberries in a little flour before adding them to prevent sinking
- Cover with foil in the last 10 minutes if the top browns too quickly
How to Store & Freeze
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week
- Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
Yes! Just add them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw
Can I Make Muffins Instead of a Loaf?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-22 minutes
What’s the Best Way to Ripen Bananas Quickly?
Place them in a warm oven (300°F) for 15 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds until soft
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread is the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today, and don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest or leave a review
Looking for more delicious baked goods? Check out these recipes
Happy baking! 🍌🍞
Print
Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread is moist, flavorful, and packed with the perfect balance of sweet bananas, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. It’s an easy one-bowl recipe that requires no mixer and comes together in minutes! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a holiday gift.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt
- In another bowl, mash the bananas until smooth, then mix in the sugar, egg, and melted butter until well combined
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, mixing just until combined
- Gently fold in the cranberries and walnuts
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing
Notes
- If using frozen cranberries, add them directly to the batter without thawing
- To prevent cranberries from sinking, toss them in a little flour before mixing in
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week
- Freezes well for up to 3 months – just wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry banana bread, banana nut bread, cranberry walnut bread, easy banana bread, holiday banana bread