This is one of the best banana nut breads I have ever made. I sometimes double the recipe and make a pan of muffins as well, which is an easy breakfast to send with the hubby to work or with the kids to school!
What you need to make these:
1/2 cup of shortening or butter (I will use butter flavored shortening if I have this on hand)
3/4 cup white sugar (brown sugar can be substituted)
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas (i use about 3 bananas)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
*Rasins, cinnamon, nutmeg to taste are optional
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition, then stir in the banana and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Beat into creamed mixture. Stir in oats and nuts. At this point I also choose to stir in about 1/2 cup of raisins and some cinnamon and/or nutmeg to taste. Pour into prepared pan. (If desired, mix together some additional dry oats and brown sugar and spread on top of the loaf before baking).
4. Bake in preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
**If baking muffins instead of the loaf, follow the same directions as above and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
This is a delicious and easy bread to make and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Happy Holidays!
Oatmeal Banana Nut Bread
