Name: Christmas Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 ½ cups flour; 1 tsp. baking soda; ½ tsp. salt; 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 bananas); ½ cup sour cream; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 2 tsp. fresh orange juice; 2 Tbsp. orange zest; 1 cup dried sweetened cranberries; ¼ cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

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If you’re searching for a festive, cozy treat to brighten your holiday mornings or surprise your loved ones with a thoughtful homemade gift, this Christmas Banana Bread is exactly what you need. Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, tangy bursts of dried cranberries, and lively notes of fresh orange zest and juice, every slice feels like a warm holiday hug. It’s an absolute joy to bake, forgiving for all skill levels, and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. Trust me, once you make this bread, it will become a beloved centerpiece of your seasonal baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Christmas Banana Bread recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a wonderfully balanced loaf. Each item contributes uniquely — from buttery richness and natural sweetness to a moist crumb and zesty holiday flair.

Butter, ½ cup softened: Adds richness and tender crumb to the bread’s texture.
Sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens the loaf just right without overpowering the natural banana flavors.
Eggs, 2 beaten: Bind ingredients and lend structure to the bread.
Flour, 1½ cups: The base that holds everything together, providing the perfect density.
Baking soda, 1 tsp: Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
Salt, ½ tsp: Enhances overall flavor by balancing sweetness.
Mashed bananas, 1 cup (about 3 bananas): The star ingredient, contributing moisture and natural sweetness.
Sour cream, ½ cup: Adds slight tanginess and keeps the bread tender and moist.
Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Rounds out flavors with a warm aroma.
Fresh orange juice, 2 tsp: Brings a bright, citrusy note to cut through richness.
Orange zest, 2 Tbsp: Intensifies the orange flavor, giving a festive punch.
Dried sweetened cranberries, 1 cup: Bursts of tart-sweet flavor and lovely holiday color.
Walnuts, ¼ cup chopped (optional): Adds a pleasant crunch and nutty depth.

How to Make Christmas Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour one large 9-inch loaf pan, and if you want to make extra small loaves for gifting or sharing, prepare smaller pans as well. Properly greasing and flouring your pans prevents sticking and ensures a smooth release, so your beautiful festive bread stays intact when you take it out.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, setting the stage for a tender, airy crumb that will melt in your mouth with every bite.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Mix in the beaten eggs thoroughly, making sure they are fully incorporated. Eggs provide the structure and help the bread rise evenly, giving it that perfect sliceable quality.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Combining dry ingredients separately ensures that your leavening agent and seasonings are distributed evenly, preventing any pocketed flavors or inconsistent texture.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture gradually. Then, fold in the sour cream, mashed bananas, vanilla, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Stir until just combined. This combination guarantees every slice bursts with moistness and that perfect holiday tang from the orange.

Step 6: Add Cranberries and Walnuts

Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts if using. These little bursts of texture and flavor bring festive cheer and a lovely chewiness to the bread, making each bite exciting.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans. Bake the large loaf for 50 to 55 minutes or small loaves for about 33 to 35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. When done, cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.

How to Serve Christmas Banana Bread

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a light smear of orange-infused cream cheese frosting can elevate the look and taste of your Christmas Banana Bread for guests or family breakfast. Fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top add a lovely seasonal sparkle.

Side Dishes

Pair your Christmas Banana Bread with a cup of warm spiced tea, mulled wine, or rich coffee for an indulgent brunch. A dollop of Greek yogurt or mascarpone on the side brings a creamy balance to the sweetness and zing.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or holiday parties, slice the bread and package it in a decorative box or wrap it with festive paper and tie with a bright ribbon. You can also cut into bite-sized squares and serve with a small side of orange marmalade for a delightful finger food option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Christmas Banana Bread stays fresh covered at room temperature for up to three days. Keep it wrapped in plastic or foil to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to freeze up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy — it’s a fantastic make-ahead holiday treat!

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in an oven at 300 degrees wrapped in foil for 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and soft texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried sweetened ones?

Fresh cranberries are much more tart and watery, which can affect the bread’s texture. It’s best to stick with dried sweetened cranberries to maintain the ideal balance of flavor and moisture.

What can I substitute for sour cream in this recipe?

Plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk can be excellent substitutes for sour cream, providing similar moisture and tanginess without altering the texture too much.

Can I add other nuts besides walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even pistachios would complement the flavors beautifully and add their own unique crunch.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better! Look for bananas that are heavily spotted or even slightly brown — they pack more sweetness and moisture into the bread.

Is this bread suitable for freezing and gifting during the holidays?

Yes! Christmas Banana Bread freezes wonderfully and makes a thoughtful, homemade gift that family and friends will adore when presented with festive wrapping.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Banana Bread truly captures the cozy spirit of the holidays with every bite. It’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough to share at your festive brunch or gift to someone special. I hope you give it a try and create some warm, delicious memories with your loved ones!