Description
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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Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
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1¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional for a warm touch)
Wet Ingredients:
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2 large ripe bananas, mashed
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½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
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1 tbsp orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
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½ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup brown sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or use neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil)
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
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½ cup mini chocolate chips
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¼ cup shredded coconut for a tropical touch
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!
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Cuisine: American