Raspberry Banana Bread

Raspberry Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the bright, slightly tart burst of fresh raspberries. This loaf is wonderfully moist, soft, and flavorful, with pops of juicy berries in every slice. It’s the perfect balance of comforting and refreshing, making it ideal for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or even dessert. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or toasted the next day, this bread feels both familiar and special.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes a beloved classic and elevates it with fresh, vibrant flavor. The bananas create a tender, moist crumb while the raspberries add a beautiful contrast that keeps the bread from feeling overly sweet. It’s simple to make, uses everyday ingredients, and always feels bakery-worthy with very little effort.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for using up ripe bananas. The combination of banana and raspberry is unexpected yet delicious, making this bread stand out from traditional quick breads. It’s easy enough for beginners and impressive enough to share with family and friends.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, and Servings

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55–60 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 slices
• Calories: Approximately 210–230 calories per slice
• Course: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (do not thaw if frozen)
• 1 tablespoon flour (for coating raspberries)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, sugars, butter, eggs, and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Toss raspberries with 1 tablespoon flour, then gently fold into the batter.
6. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Mash ripe bananas until smooth.
2. Mix bananas with sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
3. Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
4. Gently mix wet and dry ingredients together.
5. Coat raspberries lightly with flour to prevent sinking.
6. Fold raspberries into the batter carefully.
7. Bake until golden and set in the center.
8. Cool before slicing for clean cuts.

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How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Raspberry Banana Bread warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it plain, spread with butter, or with a light layer of cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea and works well as part of a brunch spread.

Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Fold raspberries gently to avoid breaking them.
• If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes.
• Let the bread cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Variations

• Lemon Raspberry Banana Bread: Add lemon zest and a drizzle of lemon glaze.
• Chocolate Chip Raspberry Banana Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
• Healthier Version: Use whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.
• Nutty Version: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for crunch.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spatula
• Loaf pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack

Conclusion

Raspberry Banana Bread is a beautiful blend of comforting and fresh flavors that’s easy to make and hard to resist. Moist, flavorful, and bursting with berries, this recipe is perfect for everyday baking or special occasions. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a favorite addition to your quick bread collection.