Southern Banana Nut Bread

Name: Southern Banana Nut Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 2 loaves.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening; 1-1/2 cups sugar; 2 eggs; 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups self-rising flour; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 3/4 cup chopped pecans; TOPPING:; 1/4 to 1/3 cup mashed ripe bananas; 1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Additional chopped pecans

One day I had two ripe bananas and decided to make banana bread. I found this recipe in an old church recipe book. It really is good with pecans in the bread and in the topping, which makes it unique.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups self-rising flour
1/2 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup chopped pecans
TOPPING:
1/4 to 1/3 cup mashed ripe bananas
1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Additional chopped pecans

Directions

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. Blend in bananas and vanilla. Add flour alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Fold in pecans.
Pour into two greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack; cool completely.
For topping, combine the banana, confectioners' sugar and lemon juice; spread over loaves. Sprinkle with pecans.

Editor's Note

As a substitute for each cup of self-rising flour, place 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a measuring cup. Add all-purpose flour to measure 1 cup.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 141 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

Originally published as Southern Banana Nut Bread in Country April/May 1997

Reviews

My Review

Click stars to rate

Average Rating:

rujerro

Dec 28, 2017

I had high hopes for this with all the great reviews. Mine came out dense, flat and oily. I sifted the dry ingredients 4 times and the outside of it was like a shell. I can't give it a great review. Bummer.
s_pants

May 4, 2017

Made this for teacher appreciation and I have heard nothing but compliments. It is very pretty, but my loaves did not rise very well. It may have been because I cooked it in 4 smaller loaves and one 8x4.. Though I don't think the 8x4 loaf rose either. Regardless, it is any excellent recipe and would make it again. More like cake with the glaze on top!
Gramma Amy

Jul 27, 2015

Excellent banana bread recipe. Raises nicely. The light glaze adds a touch of sweetness that is very pleasant. This is my go-to recipe for banana bread.
nedlnut

Nov 14, 2014

With the exception of using Stevia in the place of sugar, I made this as written. My family loved it. I took the 2nd loaf to a sick friend and her family loved it. Banana bread is usually not one of my favs but even I liked it. It will definitely be a keeper in my recipe box.
janleck

Sep 11, 2014

I see why this was an award winner. It is excellent. I will make this recipe from now on. Thank you for sharing.
jsusan

Dec 12, 2011

Absolutely delicious! I need to give away the second loaf or I will get fat. I used walnuts as I had no pecans and it was amazing.
clopez

Oct 16, 2011

Wonderful banana bread that will be my go-to recipe from now on. I made these in four smaller loaf pans and they baked to perfection in 35 minutes. I'm crazy about the icing as was my family. I also like that this bread is not heavy/dense. I usually use walnuts in banana bread so the additiion of pecans was a pleasant surprise. Note: If using the substitution for cake flour, I suggest sifting the flour with the baking powder and salt so everything is distributed more evenly. I believe you'll get a better rise out of your bread if you do this (personal experience). This will be a perfect gift-giving bread because it's so pretty with the icing sprinkled with pecans.
ewsonera

Jun 20, 2011

The best ever!!!!
bethrw

Jan 26, 2011

Great bread! I used a combination of butter and coconut oil instead of the shortening, used walnuts since I was out of pecans, and omitted the icing on top. I will definitely be coming back to this recipe!
nanbechert

Nov 6, 2010

Very moist with a wonderful crust and nutty flavor!!