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Cranberry Banana Tea Loaf with Tart Cranberries and Walnuts

This moist cranberry banana tea loaf combines ripe mashed bananas with tangy whole-berry cranberry sauce for a gently sweet bread with plenty of flavor. Chopped walnuts add a pleasant crunch, making each slice a lovely companion to tea or coffee and a thoughtful homemade holiday gift.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Sweet Breads
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup shortening
  • 2/3 cup white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup mashed banana
  • 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts such as walnuts

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream the shortening and sugar together until well combined.
  4. Add the eggs and mix until incorporated.
  5. Alternately fold the dry ingredients, mashed banana, and cranberry sauce into the creamed mixture, ending with the cranberry sauce.
  6. Gently fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
  7. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
  8. Bake for approximately 1 hour, checking toward the end of baking to avoid overbaking. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out without wet batter.
  9. Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing for cleaner, thinner pieces.

Notes

  • Walnuts are suggested, but other chopped nuts can be used.
  • Whole-berry cranberry sauce provides the tart fruit flavor throughout the loaf.
  • Avoid overbaking to help preserve the bread's moist texture.
  • Let the loaf cool completely before slicing, especially if you want thin, neat pieces.
  • Serve with butter or package the fully cooled loaf as a homemade holiday gift.