| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins – 75 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 330 | 13g | 6g | 52g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 32g | 2g | 6g | 0.2g |
I can’t help but always draw a parallel between this versatile fruit-based recipe, the African Cherry Orange and Banana Bread, and the comforting, homely fragrance of my grandmother’s kitchen in Texas. It’s a fusion that merrily ties my Southern roots with a rhythmic dance of exotic fruitiness, somewhat reminiscent of our traditional Tex-Mex flavors. Coupling familiar, cozy elements with new, exciting ones has always been a pronounced characteristic of mine, a narrative so eloquently mirrored in this indulgent loaf. You can find the image right here – 
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Unveiling the Symphony Behind the Flavors
The African Cherry Orange and Banana Bread recipe is an interesting take on the classic banana bread. It’s much like one of my favorite students stepping out in new clothes—same familiar spirit but an interestingly distinct presentation. The tangy twist of the African cherry orange, a treasured staple of West African cuisines, coupled with the comforting sweetness of bananas yields a loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and incredibly distinctive. If you’re a fan of zesty twists like me, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with this twist on tradition.
Nutritional Perks and Pairing Ideas
Beyond its joyful melody of flavors, this bread also brings along a host of nutritional benefits. Bananas, packed with essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C, promote heart health while the African cherry oranges, rich in antioxidants, contribute to glowing skin and bolstered immunity. Walnuts add a crunchy texture and a punch of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, while raisins offer a taste of sweet nostalgia and a vein of crucial fiber. You can find more about these benefits from a comprehensive article on bananas or a Harvard article discussing the benefits of walnuts.
To truly elevate your African Cherry Orange and Banana Bread experience, consider pairing this loaf with a hot cup of ginger tea or a brunch dish like a refreshing summer salad. Imagine a morning where you wade through the beautiful aroma of freshly baked bread and sip on your favorite tea — sounds like the perfect start to the day!
Whether you’re trying this bread as a morning delight or an afternoon snack, this fusion of homely and exotic flavors will surely win you over. Just like it did for me, on a sunny morning in Texas, while I watched my grandmother bake and heard the whispers of my future love for culinary arts.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mashed bananas (about 2 small bananas)
- 1/2 cup African cherry orange puree
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins or chopped dried cherries (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan with non-stick baking spray or butter.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir these ingredients until they are well mixed.
Step Three
In a separate mixing bowl, break the eggs and beat them slightly. Then, add the melted unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract to the eggs. Stir these wet ingredients until thoroughly combined.
Step Four
Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until the batter is smooth and well blended.
Step Five
Add the mashed bananas and African cherry orange puree to the batter. Mix everything together until the fruit purees are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step Six
If you are using them, fold in the chopped walnuts and the raisins or chopped dried cherries.
Step Seven
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread the batter evenly with a spatula.
Step Eight
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Step Nine
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, transfer the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step Ten
Once the bread has cooled, you can slice it and serve. Enjoy your homemade African Cherry Orange and Banana Bread!
