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If you’re looking to elevate your usual banana bread experience, this Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe is the absolute game-changer you need. Bursting with the bright zing of fresh orange and the warm, spicy notes of cardamom, this loaf transforms classic banana bread into an irresistible treat that’s equally perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a cozy dessert. It’s moist, fragrant, and wonderfully balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of exotic aroma that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the ripe bananas lending natural sweetness and moisture, to the cardamom adding a unique, aromatic twist that packs a flavorful punch.
- â…“ cup butter (melted): Adds richness and helps create that tender crumb everyone loves in banana bread.
- 3 very ripe bananas: Naturally sweet and super soft, they are the heart of the loaf’s flavor and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Provides fresh citrus notes that brighten up the entire bread.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice: Enhances the citrus flavor while adding a slight tang.
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom: Brings a warm, exotic spice that elevates the bread beyond the usual.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Works alongside cardamom for a cozy, spiced depth.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the loaf rise beautifully with a light, airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the natural banana flavor.
- 1 large egg (beaten): Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the aroma and rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that holds the loaf together with just the right density.
How to Make Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. This step ensures your banana bread will bake evenly and come out cleanly when sliced, setting the stage for a perfect loaf.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, use a fork to mash the very ripe bananas until they’re broken down but still slightly chunky. This creates a great texture foundation and releases their sweetness for every bite.
Step 3: Add the Butter and Citrus
Pour in the melted butter along with the fresh orange zest and orange juice. Stir well to combine — this citrus addition is key to giving this recipe its bright, fresh flavor profile that really wakes up the classic banana bread.
Step 4: Mix in Spices and Sweetness
Next, add the ground cardamom, cinnamon, baking soda, kosher salt, and sugar. Then, crack in the beaten egg and the vanilla extract. Stir everything together until fully incorporated—the aromatic spices start blending with the sweetness here, promising a deliciously fragrant loaf.
Step 5: Incorporate the Flour
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, stirring just until combined and making sure not to overmix. Overmixing can make banana bread dense and tough, so keep it light to maintain tender crumb texture.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top gently. Place it in the oven and bake for 50 minutes to an hour. You’ll know it’s done when a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean — moist crumbs can stick but no wet batter should remain.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
After baking, remove the loaf pan from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. This resting time helps the bread set and keeps it moist inside. Once cooled, carefully remove it from the pan and slice it up to enjoy.
How to Serve Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey perfectly complements the Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe without overpowering its elegant citrus and spice notes. For added flair, try topping with a few toasted chopped nuts or thin orange slices for a fresh, inviting look.
Side Dishes
This banana bread pairs beautifully with a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt or a smear of cream cheese for creamy contrast. For a breakfast twist, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh berry compote to balance the sweetness and add texture variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe into delightful mini loaves or muffins for gifting or parties. Alternatively, slice and toast it lightly; then spread with nut butter or your favorite jam for an irresistible snack everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and moist for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious bread without rushing.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe longer, freezing is a perfect option. Wrap the whole loaf or slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen banana bread keeps well for up to three months, ready to thaw when you crave it.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes until warm and slightly crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the bread gummy rather than tender and inviting.
FAQs
Can I use regular ground ginger instead of cardamom?
While ginger will add a spicy warmth, it won’t replicate the unique floral and slightly citrusy notes of cardamom. For the true flavor of the Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe, stick with cardamom if you can find it.
Do the oranges need to be organic for the zest?
Organic oranges are preferable since you’re using the zest, which can carry pesticides if the skin isn’t clean. If organic isn’t available, wash and scrub the orange thoroughly before zesting to be safe.
Can I substitute butter with oil?
You can swap melted butter with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola, but keep in mind that butter adds richness and a slight flavor depth that oil doesn’t replicate. The loaf might be a bit less flavorful but still moist.
What’s the best way to tell if the banana bread is fully baked?
Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (no wet batter), your bread is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend one-to-one. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help the bread hold together well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm slice of banana bread, and this Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe takes that comfort to a whole new level. With its vibrant citrus burst and cozy spices, it’s a loaf that feels special yet easy enough to whip up anytime you have ripe bananas waiting to be used. I hope you’ll dive into this recipe soon and discover just how wonderfully these flavors come together to create a slice worth savoring.
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Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread is a delightful twist on classic banana bread, featuring the warm, aromatic flavors of cardamom and cinnamon paired with fresh orange zest and juice. Moist and fragrant, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- â…“ cup butter (melted)
- 3 very ripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Other
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mash bananas: In a large bowl, mash the very ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until smooth but still slightly chunky.
- Add citrus flavors: Stir in the melted butter, orange zest, and freshly squeezed orange juice until well combined.
- Combine spices and wet ingredients: Mix in ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, baking soda, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Then add the beaten egg and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is uniform.
- Add flour: Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Then transfer the bread to a wire rack, slice into 8 to 8 equal pieces, and serve.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to avoid dense bread.
- Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Letting the bread cool before slicing helps it hold its shape.
- Orange zest and cardamom give a unique aromatic profile; adjust spices to taste if desired.
