Gingerbread Banana Bread

Gingerbread Banana Bread is fantastic! Moist, tender bread flavored with gingerbread spices and molasses and topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese icing.

Why is Gingerbread so popular at Christmastime?

1. Historical Tradition: Gingerbread has been associated with holiday celebrations for centuries, dating back to medieval Europe. Its long-standing tradition makes it a festive treat.
2. Festive Shapes and Decorations: Gingerbread cookies are often cut into holiday-themed shapes like stars, trees, and gingerbread men. They can be decorated with colorful icing and candies, enhancing their visual appeal and festive spirit.
3. Warm and Spicy Flavor: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg gives gingerbread its warm, spicy, and comforting flavor, which is especially appealing during the cold winter months.
4. Holiday Baking and Family Traditions: Making gingerbread houses and cookies is a popular family activity that fosters holiday cheer and togetherness.
5. Symbolism: Gingerbread has been associated with holiday stories, such as “Hansel and Gretel,” and often symbolizes home, warmth and celebration during Christmas.
6. Availability and Seasonal Marketing: Ginger and related spices are more available and promoted during the holiday season, making gingerbread a seasonal specialty.

Tips for enhancing Gingerbread Banana Bread

• Add Edible Decorations: Use colorful sprinkles (red and green are terrific for Christmas), crushed candies or edible glitter to add sparkle and texture.
• Incorporate Nuts or Candied Ginger: Sprinkle chopped nuts or candied ginger on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

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Gingerbread Banana Bread

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Gingerbread Banana Bread is fantastic! It’s a moist, tender bread flavored with gingerbread spices and molasses.

• Author: Linda Jolly-Kilbride
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 slices 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Oven
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar Bread 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 large eggs 1 cup mashed bananas (2 to 3 medium) 1/4 cup sour cream 1/4 cup molasses 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice Cream Cheese Icing 3 ounces cream cheese, softened 3 tablespoons butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 tablespoons milk 1 cup confectioners' sugar

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with nonstick baking spray and sprinkle it with the cinnamon sugar. Tap to coat the entire pan.

Bread

1. Beat the butter and sugar until creamy.
2. Add the vanilla extract, eggs, banana, sour cream and molasses, and and beat again.
3. Stir in the flour, baking soda, salt and spices until combined. Spoon into the prepared loaf pan.
4. Bake for 65 to 70 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
5. Remove from the oven, and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
6. Turn the bread out onto a wire rack or plate and let cool.

Cream Cheese Icing

1. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Beat in the milk to combine, then the confectioners’ sugar until a soft, thick icing forms.
3. Spread the icing on top of the bread and let set for about 10 minutes before cutting into 12 slices.

Notes

Photo credit: steamboatwillie33/50691906936 / CC BY