Deliciously Moist Banana Plum Bread: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Banana bread is a classic comfort food, and this recipe elevates it with the addition of juicy plums. The combination of sweet bananas and tart plums creates a delightful flavor profile that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a midday snack. This Banana Plum Bread is incredibly moist, thanks to the mashed bananas and the natural moisture of the plums. It’s also surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers. Follow this step-by-step guide to bake your own loaf of this delicious treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Moist and Tender:** The bananas and plums work together to create a loaf that is incredibly moist and stays fresh for days.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of sweet bananas and tart plums is a match made in heaven. A hint of cinnamon adds warmth and depth.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment. Perfect for beginner bakers!
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it as is, or add chocolate chips, nuts, or a streusel topping for extra flair.
* **Perfect for Using Ripe Bananas:** Got some overripe bananas sitting on your counter? This is the perfect way to use them up!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Ripe Bananas:** 3 medium-sized ripe bananas, mashed. The riper, the better! They should be spotty and soft.
* **Plums:** 2 cups of fresh plums, pitted and chopped. You can use any variety of plum you like – black, red, or even a mix.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 1/2 cups. This provides the structure for the bread.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 cup. Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/2 cup. Adds a richer sweetness and contributes to the moistness.
* **Eggs:** 2 large eggs. They bind the ingredients together and add richness.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 1/2 cup. Keeps the bread moist and tender.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
* **Baking Soda:** 1 teaspoon. Helps the bread rise.
* **Baking Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon. Provides additional lift and a lighter texture.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 1/2 teaspoon. Adds warmth and a hint of spice.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Chocolate chips, chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), streusel topping.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×5 inch Loaf Pan:** Essential for baking the bread.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately.
* **Whisk:** To combine the dry ingredients.
* **Spatula:** To fold the wet and dry ingredients together.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Cooling Rack:** To cool the bread after baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious Banana Plum Bread.

**Step 1: Prepare the Plums**

* Wash the plums thoroughly.
* Cut the plums in half and remove the pits.
* Chop the plums into small pieces (about 1/2 inch).
* Set aside.

**Step 2: Mash the Bananas**

* Peel the ripe bananas and place them in a mixing bowl.
* Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the bananas until they are smooth with only a few small lumps.
* Measure out 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas. This is approximately 3 medium bananas.

**Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients**

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
* Make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
* This ensures that the leavening agents (baking soda and baking powder) are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

**Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients**

* In a separate mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
* Whisk the wet ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.
* Ensure there are no lumps of mashed banana remaining.

**Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**

* Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
* Use a spatula to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.
* Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
* A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.

**Step 6: Fold in the Plums**

* Gently fold the chopped plums into the batter.
* Distribute the plums evenly throughout the batter.
* Be careful not to crush the plums.

**Step 7: Prepare the Loaf Pan**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
* Alternatively, you can line the loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
* This prevents the bread from sticking to the pan and makes it easier to remove after baking.

**Step 8: Pour Batter into Loaf Pan**

* Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
* Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
* If desired, you can sprinkle some extra chopped plums on top of the batter before baking.

**Step 9: Bake the Bread**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 55-70 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
* The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
* Start checking for doneness around 55 minutes.
* If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil.

**Step 10: Cool the Bread**

* Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
* After 10 minutes, carefully invert the bread onto a wire rack to cool completely.
* Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving.
* This prevents the bread from crumbling.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Banana Plum Bread

* **Use Ripe Bananas:** The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Overripe bananas are ideal.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
* **Measure Accurately:** Accurate measurements are crucial for successful baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you have the right amount of each ingredient.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness around 55 minutes.
* **Tent with Foil:** If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving. This prevents the bread from crumbling.

Variations and Add-ins

* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
* **Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Streusel Topping:** Prepare a streusel topping with flour, sugar, and butter and sprinkle it over the batter before baking.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warmer, more complex flavor.
* **Glaze:** Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread.
* **Cream Cheese Swirl:** Mix softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract, then swirl it into the batter before baking.

Serving Suggestions

* **Enjoy it plain:** Slices of this bread are perfect as is, a simple and satisfying snack or breakfast.
* **With butter:** Spread a little butter on a slice of warm banana plum bread for extra richness.
* **With cream cheese:** A dollop of cream cheese adds a tangy complement to the sweetness of the bread.
* **With yogurt:** Serve with a side of Greek yogurt for a healthy and delicious breakfast or snack.
* **Toasted:** Toast slices of the bread and serve with your favorite toppings.
* **As dessert:** Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per slice)

* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 12-15g
* Saturated Fat: 2-3g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 35-45g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 3-4g

Banana Plum Bread Recipe Card

**Yields:** 1 loaf
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 55-70 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
* 2 cups fresh plums, pitted and chopped
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, folding until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the chopped plums.
6. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 55-70 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade Banana Plum Bread! This recipe is a fantastic way to use up ripe bananas and enjoy the seasonal flavors of plums. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a sweet snack, or a delicious dessert, this bread is sure to be a hit. Happy baking!