Fruity Banana Bread Recipes

BANANA FRUIT BREAD

Steps:

• Mix in order given and bake in greased 9" x 5" loaf pan for about 1 hour at 350 degrees F. If making mini-muffins instead, bake for about 15 minutes. This also freezes well.

FRUIT-SWEETENED BANANA BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9- by 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
• Put the raisins and dates in a medium bowl, cover with very hot water and let soak until the fruit is very soft, about 25 minutes. Drain, then puree until smooth in a food processor, scraping the bowl frequently.
• Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl.
• Beat the butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until smooth. Add the raisin-date mixture, and beat until incorporated and smooth. Add the egg and egg yolk, vanilla and zest, and beat until incorporated. Lower the mixer speed to medium-low, and add half the flour mixture, then the milk, then the remaining flour mixture, stopping to scrape down the side of the bowl as needed (it's OK if there are some lumps). Fold in the bananas.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake until the bread is golden brown and crisp and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Run a knife around the edges, and let cool completely in the pan on a rack. The bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

FRUITY BANANA BREAD

Steps:

• Using kitchen shears, cut each apricot in half lengthwise. Holding halves together, cut four or five times crosswise. In a small saucepan, combine apricot pieces and orange juice. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Allow to rest until apricots have absorbed most of the liquid, about 1 hour.
• Heat oven to 325 degrees. Place a baking sheet in oven. Spray or oil a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, and if desired, line with parchment paper. Melt butter in a microwave oven or small saucepan; reserve.
• In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, blend together reserved butter, 3/4 cup sugar, and orange zest. Mix in eggs one at a time, then mashed bananas, apricots, and nuts. Stir in flour mixture one-third at a time, stirring well after each addition.
• Scrape dough into pan, and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Place pan on a rack to cool. To serve, remove from pan, and slice thinly. Serve at room temperature.