If I can take a baking shortcut, I will – hence the jar of banana baby food. May sound odd, but it works. My sister’s family awaits her annual baking of this each holiday season, but don’t wait for a holiday – enjoy anytime.
1/3 cup white Crisco
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed ripe banana OR 1 cup banana baby food
1-3/4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans – (optional)
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside. Cream together the Crisco, sugar, eggs and baby food.
In a separate bowl, whisk/sift together the dry ingredients. Empty this into the banana mixture; mix until just combined. Pour into prepared pan; bake for 45-50 minutes, until nicely browned and split down the center.
Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto rack. Let cool completely before cutting. Tastes best if wrapped well overnight and sliced the next day.