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Banana Bread in a Mason Jar

Delightful Banana Bread in a Mason Jar: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion

Banana Bread in a Mason Jar is a charming twist on the classic banana bread recipe, offering a convenient and adorable way to enjoy this beloved treat. Perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself, these individual servings of banana bread are not only delicious but also make for a delightful presentation. In this detailed blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making Banana Bread in a Mason Jar, including FAQs, cook notes, variations, and keto and low-carb options to cater to different dietary preferences.

Ingredients:

  • 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups mashed bananas
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2/3 cup shortening
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 2/3 cups white sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2/3 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease the insides of 8 (1-pint) wide-mouth canning jars.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the mashed bananas and water. In another bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the banana mixture. Stir in the chopped pecans.
  5. Fill each greased Mason jar halfway with the banana bread batter. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth.
  6. Place the filled jars on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a jar comes out clean.
  7. Remove the jars from the oven and let them cool slightly before sealing them with sterilized lids and rings.
  8. Once cooled completely, the Banana Bread in a Mason Jar can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • Add chocolate chips, raisins, or shredded coconut to the banana bread batter for added texture and flavor.
  • Experiment with different nuts such as walnuts or almonds in place of pecans.
  • For a festive touch, sprinkle the tops of the banana bread with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

  • Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a keto-friendly version of Banana Bread in a Mason Jar.
  • Use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of white sugar to reduce the carb content of the bread.
  • Adjust the amount of mashed bananas used to lower the overall carb count of the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I use ripe bananas for this recipe?
    • Yes, ripe bananas are ideal for making banana bread as they are sweeter and easier to mash, resulting in a more flavorful bread.
  2. Can I bake the banana bread in traditional loaf pans instead of Mason jars?
    • Yes, you can bake the banana bread in loaf pans if you prefer. Adjust the baking time accordingly and test for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf.
  3. How do I properly sterilize Mason jars for baking?
    • To sterilize Mason jars, wash them in hot, soapy water and rinse well. Place them upside down on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 250°F (120°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can boil the jars in a large pot of water for 10 minutes.
  4. Can I decorate the Mason jars for gifting?
    • Absolutely! Get creative with decorating the Mason jars by adding ribbon, twine, or personalized labels for a charming touch. You can also attach a handwritten recipe card for an extra special gift.

Banana Bread in a Mason Jar is a delightful and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, attending a potluck, or looking for a unique gift idea, these individual servings of banana bread are sure to impress. With their sweet, moist texture and irresistible banana flavor, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Plus, with keto and low-carb options available, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of banana bread while staying true to your dietary goals. So why not give it a try? Whip up a batch of Banana Bread in a Mason Jar today and enjoy the sweet satisfaction!