Cranberry Banana Bread: A Cozy, Comforting Treat
Sweet, tart, and perfectly moist—this Cranberry Banana Bread is a cozy treat you’ll want to bake again and again!
This post may include affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click through and make a purchase. Your support helps me continue sharing valuable wellness tips, delicious recipes, and holistic inspiration. Thank you for being here and nourishing your journey with me! 💚
There’s something so comforting about a freshly baked loaf of banana bread cooling on the counter, filling the house with its sweet, warm aroma. It’s a staple in my kitchen, especially during the colder months when I crave something nourishing, naturally sweet, and just a little indulgent. This Cranberry Banana Bread is my favorite twist on the classic—it’s soft, slightly tangy from the fresh cranberries, and has just the right amount of crunch from the nuts.
I first started making banana bread in my Air Force days, when I needed quick, satisfying snacks to keep up with the long shifts. It became a go-to recipe over the years, something I’d tweak based on what was in my pantry. Now, living in Germany, I love making this whenever I get a little nostalgic for home. Plus, my husband and kids love it—it never lasts more than a day in our house!
A Note on Cranberries
If fresh cranberries aren’t in season, you can absolutely substitute dried cranberries—just use about ¾ cup instead of 1.5 cups, and consider soaking them in warm water or orange juice for a few minutes to plump them up. But if you can find fresh cranberries, I highly recommend them for that burst of tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the banana.
Ingredients
1 cup sugar (I prefer coconut sugar for a slightly deeper flavor)
5 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 cup mashed ripe banana (the riper, the better—brown spots are a good thing!)
¼ cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour (you can swap for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed)
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work beautifully)
1.5 cups coarsely chopped fresh cranberries
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Set your oven rack in the center position.
Prepare your loaf pan (8 ½ x 4 ½ inches) by greasing it well. For easy removal, line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides—this trick makes lifting the bread out effortless!
Cream the butter and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl until fully blended.
Add the banana, milk, vanilla, and eggs, mixing until smooth.
Gently fold in the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) just until combined—don’t over mix! Stir in the nuts and cranberries.
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Make It Your Own
No fresh cranberries? Swap in dried cranberries—I like these organic ones (Amazon link).
Make it dairy-free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk instead of dairy milk.
Want extra warmth? Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon for a cozy touch.
Golden-baked perfection! This Cranberry Banana Bread is bursting with sweet bananas, tart cranberries, and cozy flavors in every bite. Who wants a slice?
From My Kitchen to Yours
Baking is a big part of how I nourish myself and my family—it’s more than just food; it’s about creating memories. I love cozy weekend mornings with a slice of this banana bread, a warm mug of tea, and my dog curled up nearby (although he’s always hoping for crumbs!).
If you’re looking for the tools I use to make baking easier, here are a few favorites:
My go-to loaf pan: This nonstick one bakes evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
A must-have for easy mixing: This hand mixer saves time and effort.
My favorite vanilla extract: This one is rich and flavorful—worth the splurge!
I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does! If you make it, I’d love to hear—let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram.
Happy baking!
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work and helping me continue to share holistic wellness tips!
