Banana Bread Recipe Using Six Bananas and Vegetable Shortening

Banana bread is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and sweetness to any kitchen. Using six ripe bananas in this recipe ensures a rich, moist texture and intense banana flavor that will satisfy both novice bakers and seasoned pros.

What’s unique about this recipe is the use of vegetable shortening in place of butter or oil, lending a tender crumb and subtle lightness to the bread. Whether you’re looking for a perfect breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, this banana bread hits all the right notes.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those extra bananas before they get too ripe. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to making this delicious loaf that’s sure to become a household favorite.

If you love banana bread, you might also enjoy exploring more plant-based recipes like our Banana Pancake Recipe Men Eat Vegan Too Made Easy or check out an incredible collection of A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion to inspire your entire week of cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana bread recipe stands out because it uses six bananas, which gives it an incredibly moist and flavorful texture that’s hard to beat. The addition of vegetable shortening instead of butter or oil creates a tender crumb that’s soft and fluffy, yet sturdy enough to slice beautifully every time.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Plus, it’s versatile: you can add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to customize it to your liking. And because it uses vegetable shortening, it’s a great option for those looking for a dairy-free alternative without sacrificing texture.

Finally, this banana bread keeps well, making it perfect for meal prep or a grab-and-go snack. Pair it with your morning coffee or tea, and you’ve got a match made in heaven.

Ingredients

• 6 ripe bananas, mashed (about 3 cups)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable shortening, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or electric mixer
• Fork or potato masher
• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the 9×5 inch loaf pan with vegetable shortening or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture.
3. Add the softened vegetable shortening to the mashed bananas and mix well until combined.
4. Beat in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Using an electric mixer on low speed can make this step easier.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, folding gently with a wooden spoon or spatula. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until combined.
7. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Check at 60 minutes to avoid overbaking.
10. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

“For the best flavor, use bananas that are very ripe with lots of brown spots — they’re sweeter and mash more easily.”

Tip: If you prefer a lighter, airier bread, sift your flour before mixing. This will reduce clumps and add to the fluffiness.

Variation Ideas:

• Chocolate Banana Bread: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and reduce flour to 1 ¾ cups.
• Nutty Delight: Toast the walnuts or pecans before folding them into the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spiced Banana Bread: Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and ½ teaspoon ground ginger along with the cinnamon for a warm, cozy spice mix.
• Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water) and use vegan shortening.

Storage: Wrap leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated up to a week.

You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This banana bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature. For a special treat, try spreading a thin layer of vegan butter or your favorite nut butter on top.

Pair your slices with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. It’s also fantastic alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt for a balanced treat.

Looking for more delicious breakfast or snack ideas? Check out our Banana Pancake Recipe Men Eat Vegan Too Made Easy or explore the variety of Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals for inspiration.

Conclusion

This banana bread recipe using six bananas and vegetable shortening is a fantastic way to enjoy a moist, flavorful, and tender loaf that’s sure to please everyone at your table. The generous amount of bananas ensures a naturally sweet and rich taste, while the vegetable shortening contributes to a soft crumb that lasts for days.

Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe is easy to follow and adaptable with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.

Don’t forget to experiment with the variations to make it your own, and enjoy sharing this classic treat with family and friends. For more wholesome and delicious recipes, visit our collection of Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals and keep your kitchen full of inspiration!

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