Banana Orange Bread

This Banana Orange Bread is a refreshing twist on the classic banana bread you know and love. Bursting with citrusy brightness and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, this loaf is moist, tender, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. It’s easy to make and fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma while baking.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Moist and Flavorful – Ripe bananas and fresh orange juice keep every slice soft and delicious.
Bright Citrus Twist – A splash of orange zest and juice adds a zesty, refreshing lift.
One-Bowl Simplicity – Minimal cleanup and quick preparation.
Kid-Friendly – Naturally sweet and perfect for lunchboxes or after-school treats.
Great for Any Season – Light enough for summer, cozy enough for fall and winter baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional for a warm touch)

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or use neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• ¼ cup shredded coconut for a tropical touch

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Loaf pan (8½ x 4½ inch)
• Parchment paper (optional for easy removal)
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease your loaf pan with butter or oil, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Add orange juice, orange zest, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Mix the Batter
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula.
Be careful not to overmix – stir until just combined.
If you’re using add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut, fold them in at this stage.

Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with the spatula.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the banana orange bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
Then transfer it to a cooling rack and let it cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Tips for the Best Banana Orange Bread
Use Ripe Bananas – The riper, the better. Brown spots mean more natural sweetness.
Fresh Orange Juice & Zest – Bottled juice won’t give the same brightness or aroma.
Don’t Overmix – Stir gently to avoid dense or tough bread.
Customize Freely – Mix in your favorite add-ins for variety.
Cool Completely – Slicing too early can make the bread crumbly.

Serving Suggestions
With Butter – A warm slice with a pat of butter is unbeatable.
Toasted – Lightly toast slices and serve with a drizzle of honey.
With Yogurt – Enjoy with a dollop of Greek yogurt for breakfast.
As a Dessert – Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 1 week, wrapped well to prevent drying.

Freezing:

• Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature or microwave slices for 20–30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this bread dairy-free?
   Yes! Use a plant-based butter or neutral oil like canola or coconut oil.
2. Can I substitute orange juice with bottled juice?
   Fresh juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
3. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
   You can use all white sugar, though brown sugar adds moisture and a richer flavor.
4. Can I make this recipe into muffins?
   Absolutely! Bake in a muffin tin at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Why did my bread sink in the middle?
   This can happen if the batter was overmixed or if the loaf was underbaked. Make sure to test with a toothpick before removing from the oven.

Final Thoughts
Banana Orange Bread is a delightful and refreshing spin on a classic recipe. The marriage of sweet banana and zesty orange brings a bright, sunshiney flavor to every bite. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out! Share your version on Pinterest and tag your kitchen creations—I’d love to see them!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 210mg

Meta Title & Description
Meta Title: Banana Orange Bread – Bright, Moist & Flavorful
Meta Description: Try this easy and moist Banana Orange Bread recipe. Packed with ripe bananas and fresh citrus zest, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

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