Gingerbread Banana Bread

Get ready to cozy up with a slice of this Gingerbread Banana Bread—a delightful fusion of two classic favorites. Ripe bananas and warm gingerbread spices come together to create a moist, aromatic loaf that’s perfect for chilly mornings or festive gatherings. It’s sweet, spiced, and oh-so-satisfying with every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Holiday-Inspired Flavors – Warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves bring festive cheer.
Moist and Tender – Thanks to mashed bananas and brown sugar.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and one bowl needed.
Great for Gifting – Perfect homemade holiday treat.
Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and store for busy weeks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Banana Bread:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup molasses
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt

Optional Add-ins & Toppings:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp turbinado sugar for topping

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray
• Toothpick or cake tester

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash Bananas & Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
Add eggs, brown sugar, molasses, oil, and vanilla extract.
Whisk until fully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in Add-ins (Optional)
If using nuts or dried fruit, gently fold them into the batter.
Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Pour & Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top for a crunchy finish, if using.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Gingerbread Banana Bread
Use Very Ripe Bananas – The browner the better for sweetness and moisture.
Don’t Skip the Molasses – It gives the gingerbread flavor its signature depth.
Room Temp Ingredients – Helps everything blend more evenly.
Test for Doneness – Start checking at 55 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Let It Rest – Flavors deepen after a few hours or even the next day.

Serving Suggestions
Warm with Butter – A classic and cozy combo.
With a Cup of Tea or Coffee – Perfect morning or afternoon treat.
Topped with Cream Cheese – A rich spread balances the spices.
As Dessert – Add a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store up to 1 week, tightly wrapped or sealed.

Freezing:

• Wrap in plastic and foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat slices for 15–20 seconds.
• Oven: Warm at 300°F for 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use honey instead of molasses?
   You can, but molasses gives a stronger gingerbread flavor.
2. Is this bread overly sweet?
   No, it’s well balanced—spiced, subtly sweet, and perfect for any time of day.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes! Use vegetable oil and ensure your add-ins are dairy-free.
4. Can I make it into muffins?
   Absolutely. Fill muffin tins ¾ full and bake for 18–22 minutes.
5. Can I reduce the sugar?
   Yes, you can reduce the brown sugar slightly if preferred.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Banana Bread is the ultimate seasonal mashup you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re baking it as a gift, for your holiday brunch table, or just to enjoy with a cozy drink, it’s sure to be a hit. Full of spice, warmth, and banana goodness, every slice is a comforting delight.

Give it a try and share your loaf with friends or family—or keep it all to yourself, we won’t judge!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 39g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 280mg

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