I am a girl who is big on comfort food. This is probably because my mom was such a fantastic cook. We ate a lot of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese and breads when I was growing up. Mom’s cooking was so good that the neighborhood kids would hang around the back door when she was making certain foods.
One of the favorites of all of us kids (and their parents for that matter) was mom’s banana bread. Can you imagine what she would think of my twist on her recipe? Now I make The Tastiest Banana Nut Bread Recipe Ever (and it’s in a mason jar!)
I came across this unusual way of making banana bead from a friend’s grandma. She has been making it like this for years but apparently it is popular on Pinterest and other recipe websites. I found it was actually easier to make this The Tastiest Banana Nut Bread Recipe Ever than in a pan. There is something about the glass and how the bread bakes that makes it come out perfectly even every time you make it.
If you are giving this banana bread in a jar as a gift, you just put the top on it, tie a ribbon around it and you are good to go! If you are looking for another snack that makes a fun homemade gift, try my Bacon Caramel Popcorn.
Oh my goodness, I am laughing right now and only Billy Joel fans will get this reference. As I am typing this post about my The Tastiest Banana Nut Bread Recipe Ever , I am listening to “Piano Man” and the line, (…and outs bread in my jar…) just came on. Hee Hee Hee.
I am pretty sure Billy Joel did not mean my Tastiest Banana Nut Bread Recipe, but if he tasted it, he would! Let me tell you, this is the moistest banana nut bread you will ever taste! Caitlin took it to school yesterday and people were fighting for it (literally!)
The Tastiest Banana Nut Bread Recipe Ever!
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups (4 medium sized) mashed bananas
- 2/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup , crushed walnuts
- 1/4 cup , crushed pecans
- 12 half pint mason jars
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees
- Grease the insides of the jars with cooking spray or shortening
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the shortening and sugar with an electric mixer until well mixed. Beat in the eggs, bananas, sour cream and water until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and nuts and pour into the banana mixture a little at a time mixing well with each addition. Fold in pecans.
- Fill mason jars 1/2 way full. Do not add the lids.
- Line the jars on a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes of until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove the jars from the oven and screw on the lids and rings to the jars while the bread is cooling. When the jar seals itself, you should hear a little pinging noise. If not, just press down on the lid to see if it is firm.
- You can skip the mason jars and bake in two 9 x 5-inch bread pans for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.
Have you ever made a recipe in a mason jar before? Please share!
Jeanine says
April 15, 2015 at 9:30 pmYum! Banana bread is one of my absolute favorites. I would love it like this, such a cute idea!
Catherine S says
April 15, 2015 at 9:35 pmThis would make a great gift for my friends. I am allergic to bananas so I won’t be able to try it.
Liz Mays says
April 15, 2015 at 9:50 pmOh my, I love banana bread and those jars are so cute! I need to do this!!!
Jennifer says
April 15, 2015 at 9:52 pmWell, now I really have seen everything. Banana bread in a jar is pure genius! I love it!
Tammi says
April 15, 2015 at 10:01 pmThis looks amazing! What a great gift this would make, I’ll have to remember this for when school ends!
Kelsey Apley says
April 15, 2015 at 10:03 pmMy gosh I will take 5 please! Seriously love banana bread and these are so cute in jars!
Terri Ramsey Beavers says
April 15, 2015 at 10:05 pmI love Banana Bread and so do the kids. They would love helping me make and eat these. I think it’s a great idea because they would love having their own little loaf in a jar.
Stacie says
April 15, 2015 at 10:06 pmThat is such a wonderful idea! I love to bake, and I’m always trying to find new ways to serve it up. Thanks!
Amy Desrosiers says
April 15, 2015 at 10:12 pmI like this idea because the bread stays fresher longer. I need to try and make some soon.
Tracy says
April 15, 2015 at 10:36 pmI had a banana smoothie this morning, will have to give this a go, thanks for sharing! 🙂
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
April 15, 2015 at 10:47 pmOMG I love that you made this in a jar! I totally want some of this NOW.
Rosey says
April 16, 2015 at 4:12 pmThat’s exactly what I was thinking when I was reading. This looks wonderful to me.
mabi says
April 15, 2015 at 11:02 pmI absolutely love this idea! Banana bread is one of my favorites…. and it looks so cute in a jar!
Ann Bacciaglia says
April 15, 2015 at 11:17 pmI love making banana bread. I have never heard of baking it in jars before. I will have to try this on the weekend.
Chelley says
April 15, 2015 at 11:22 pmOh wow- I’ve never heard of making bread in mason jars. I am so excited to try these out!!!
Ashley says
April 15, 2015 at 11:41 pmI really like banana bread. I think I could make some for myself and share with friends
Liz Mays says
April 16, 2015 at 12:41 amI’d love to make some and send it off with my kids. It would be easier in the jars!
maria clostohome says
April 16, 2015 at 12:07 amDid you know today was national banana day. I shared a banana recipe too.
Veronica says
April 16, 2015 at 12:47 amThat is wonderful. banana bread is my favorite. Never seen it in a jar but love the idea
Jeanette says
April 16, 2015 at 12:52 amWhat a great idea! This could be a wonderful gift for someone. I like to transport stuff to people all the time this is a great (and cute) way to do it.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
April 16, 2015 at 1:01 amThat is a very clever idea. Perfect for portion control and very little messes!
Shauna says
April 16, 2015 at 1:03 amOh my goodness, I love banana bread and would have never thought of baking it in a jar. How smart and savvy. Thanks for sharing.
Danielle says
April 16, 2015 at 1:25 amThis is my kind of recipe. Just add a scoop of ice cream to the top and I’m all set!
Lorane says
April 16, 2015 at 1:26 amMason Jars make everything look good. Banana Bread are so quick and easy to make
Pam says
April 16, 2015 at 1:27 amI don’t know what it is about food in a jar, but it just seems to taste better. I’m definitely making this.
Terri says
April 16, 2015 at 1:29 amThis is just genius! I am pinning this now! Yummmmmay!!!
Allie D. says
April 16, 2015 at 1:29 amThis brings back memories. I have never made banana bread in a jar, which looks awesomely delicious, but I have made brownies in a jar. My husband was deployed then, and I would send him and his platoon the treats in a jar since it kept it nice and fresh until they received it. It was a big hit! I will share this with my other friends who are still active. They are great for gifts and care packages to the military! Gives them a little taste of home.
Theresa says
April 16, 2015 at 1:47 amWhat a really interesting way to make banana bread! I love food in jars, so this is going to be a must try for me!
becca says
April 15, 2015 at 10:02 pmWhat a wonderful homemade gift idea. I love banana bread.
Jessica Harlow says
April 16, 2015 at 2:22 amI totally love this! Banana bread is one of my favorites. And, the Billy Joel song was not lost on me. He is a classic!
Amanda says
April 16, 2015 at 2:30 amI simply love this! Perfect for gifting to a friend who might need a little comfort. And how can you go wrong with banana bread?
Sarah Marturano says
April 16, 2015 at 2:34 amThese looks amazing! What an awesome gift idea! How yummy!
AJ says
April 15, 2015 at 11:10 pmSuch a cute gift idea! I love bread in a jar!
Blogger says
April 16, 2015 at 3:36 amNOOOO! So this is just about the coolest idea ever. I can’t wait to try it and thank you for sharing it with us!
Vera Sweeney says
April 16, 2015 at 3:39 amI love the idea of the banana bread in mason jars. This would be a great housewarming gift for new neighbors too.
Melissa Vera says
April 16, 2015 at 4:13 amWhat a great gift idea. I love this recipe so much. Who would have thought you could bake in a jar?
Carol Bryant says
April 16, 2015 at 4:46 amMaking this next week – I love the jar idea.
Raijean S says
April 16, 2015 at 4:47 amNow that looks delicious! I’ve never thought to do it in a mason jar.
Heather says
April 16, 2015 at 4:51 amOh it looks good! I really like this idea, I bet it stays fresher longer.
Audrey M says
April 16, 2015 at 4:59 amI love this idea of banana bread in a jar! This is such a cute idea to do with mason jars.
Kecia says
April 16, 2015 at 1:26 amI could really go for some banana bread right now! I have never tried it in a jar like this though. I love jar desserts because they help with portions.
Yolanda of SeeingItTheirWay says
April 16, 2015 at 1:28 amI have never made banana bread in a jar before. I think this will be perfect as parting gift for a brunch or event. Love it!
Pam says
April 16, 2015 at 7:19 amThis is different for me as far as the making of the banana bread but it still comes out the same as the traditional kind…delicious. I will have to try this.
Alena Belleque says
April 16, 2015 at 5:10 amWhat a cool idea! I’m definitely going to have to try this.
Tina Bowling says
April 16, 2015 at 11:54 amThese are so cute! What is it about food in a jar that makes it look extra good??
harriet says
April 16, 2015 at 1:42 pmI love that it is in a jar. Looks really good.
Dogvills says
April 16, 2015 at 2:54 pmI love banana bread. It is one of my favorite treats. And I love to eat it for breakfast. It makes a great gift so this is perfect
Crystal says
April 16, 2015 at 4:32 pmI love banana bread. And gifts in a jar are so fun.
Karla Campos says
April 16, 2015 at 5:20 pmBanana bread in a jar would be an awesome gift or party flavor,delicious. Thank you for the idea and recipe 🙂
Emily says
April 16, 2015 at 6:50 pmThis is so cute! They would make great teachers gifts!!
Kristin Wheeler (Mama Luvs Books) says
April 16, 2015 at 7:20 pmThis looks delicious! And perfect for a gift for a teacher or someone special!
Chrystal | YUM eating says
April 16, 2015 at 8:59 pmMy grandmother used to make it like this too! And then she would top it with whipped cream and we would eat it right up with a spoon! YUM!
Amber C. says
April 16, 2015 at 11:12 pmOh YUM! I love banana bread! I can’t wait to try this recipe!
valerie g says
April 17, 2015 at 2:53 amwhat a great ideea. i need to try this as a party favor!!! very cool
Cinny says
April 17, 2015 at 4:26 amI bet those are so yummy! I love the idea of them being in a jar, so cute!
Coralie says
April 17, 2015 at 2:53 pmI love this idea. I often find myself in need of quick gifts, and this would be the perfect combination. Bookmarking for later. Thank you!
Krystal says
April 17, 2015 at 5:32 pmYou can put anything in a jar! I am loving this idea. I’ve done cake in a jar before!
Stefani Tolson says
April 19, 2015 at 2:36 pmI just LOVE banana nut bread. Made two loaves last week and they were gone FAST. Love this idea.
Sarah says
July 18, 2016 at 6:18 pmHow cool that you made it in mason jars, love banana bread. Must make this as soon as possible. Mason jars really are useful for a lot of things!
Carol Bryant says
July 18, 2016 at 7:49 pmThe commenter above who said they like it for breakfast is spot on. I love banana bread with my tea. I am bookmarking this.
Vera Sweeney says
July 18, 2016 at 8:13 pmI love this idea!! Banana bread is a favorite of my whole family it is fun to try the different variations and recipes for it.
Emily says
July 18, 2016 at 10:38 pmI love banana nut bread! Putting it in an adorable jar makes it too perfect.
Chubskulit Rose says
July 19, 2016 at 6:32 amThat sounds delicious and I did not know that you can bakle in a mason jar. I would love to try this.
Sara says
July 19, 2016 at 8:32 amI would call this cutest banana bread ever! What a cute idea for teacher gifts!
Rebecca Swenor says
July 19, 2016 at 10:01 amThis sounds like an amazing recipe for banana bread I am going to have to try. These would make for a great gift idea as well. I love the idea of cooking them in the mason jars. Thanks for sharing the idea and the recipe.
Kathy says
July 19, 2016 at 11:11 amThis is such a great idea! There are so many of us that love banana bread, including myself. These are such a great gift idea. I may do this for Christmas this year!
j says
July 19, 2016 at 11:14 amI absolutely LOVE banana bread! My mom used to bake it all the time when we were growing up.
Dawn gibson-thigpen says
July 19, 2016 at 11:50 ami simply loveee banana bread. it so reminds me of my mom. although she didnt make them in the jar she made this bread all the time. i used to be so happy. lol
Kristen Dann says
July 19, 2016 at 2:03 pmBanana nut bread is my favorite! I love how cute they look in the jar. I’m going to have to try this recipe soon, I’ve got a few bananas that are dying to be made into bread.
HilLesha says
July 19, 2016 at 3:02 pmI’ve never made this type of recipe in a Mason jar before, but it’s a wonderful idea! I’ll definitely try this sometime, especially since I love banana nut bread.
Sarh S says
July 19, 2016 at 4:53 pmBanana Nut Bread in a mason jar?! That means you wouldn’t have to share it with anyone and it’s all yours!? Yes please!
Christy Garrett says
July 19, 2016 at 4:59 pmI haven’t made banana bread in a long time. I wish I had some very ripe bananas. I would make some bread for breakfast.
Two boys and a hubby says
July 19, 2016 at 6:28 pmI have never thought of putting banana bread in a mason jar. What an awesome idea!
Stephanie says
July 20, 2016 at 1:26 amThis is such a cute idea! It would be perfect for a bake sale. My husband is having a bake sale at work to raise money for school supplies for poor kids. THis would be perfect!
Lynndee says
July 20, 2016 at 12:26 pmI love banana bread or banana nut bread. Anything with banana, I love. So nice to see them in jars. That would be a great gift to give, for sure.
Kristin says
July 20, 2016 at 9:41 pmYum I love a great banana nut bread. I’ll be pinning this for later. Thank you.
Shaney Vijendranath (youbabyandi) says
July 22, 2016 at 3:47 amI love banana bread but never tried it with nuts before especially with sour cream. Interesting recipe, I am going to test it out soon.
MAGGIE BRANCH says
July 31, 2016 at 9:48 pmI love jar recipes! I think this sounds delicious and easy. Banana bread is one of my favorite breakfasts so I love the convenience of this version. THank you for sharing!
Sharon says
September 14, 2016 at 7:57 pmWhen they cool, you can dump them out of the jar & freeze them, as opposed to the seal & ring thing.
mycraftingworld says
January 7, 2017 at 7:14 amThis would make a good gift in my circle. I love Banana Bread anyway and this way… I may not share. Thank you for the recipe and idea.
Heather Johnson says
August 15, 2017 at 10:47 pmYour recipe for Banana Nut Bread sounds absolutely amazing. Baking it in mason jars would make for a great holiday gift!
Michelle Gwynn Jones says
August 16, 2017 at 12:08 amI often make banana bread. A new way to present it is a great idea. Thank you.
tara pittman says
August 16, 2017 at 1:09 amLove how these look in the jars, I am not fond of bananas though but my boys love them.
Sarah Bailey says
August 16, 2017 at 6:58 amOh my goodness how cute is this for an idea of how to make banana bread, I bet they would make cute presents as well!
Helene Cohen Bludman says
August 16, 2017 at 7:13 amWhat a cute idea! This would be a great hostess gift.
shalama says
August 16, 2017 at 12:38 pmI love making banana bread. This is a cute idea and would make for a great gift.
Crystal Carder says
August 17, 2017 at 6:40 amBanana Bread in a mason jar?! That is the cutest idea! I love Banana Bread, so I will have to save this recipe for later, thanks for sharing it!
katriza says
August 17, 2017 at 10:17 amI love banana bread! I usually don’t like any kind of fruit in my bread but bananas are so good! I definitely have to try this! CUte idea to put it in a mason jar!
Andrea says
August 17, 2017 at 6:40 pmI absolutely love recipes I can make in jars! They make for great serving and for gifts. Thanks for this yummy recipe!
Katy {ashadeofteal} says
August 17, 2017 at 11:47 pmThese Banana Nut Bread jars look amazing! I had no idea you could even bake in mason jars, what a great idea.
Cat says
August 18, 2017 at 9:40 amThis banana nut bread recipe looks awesome! I definitely want to give it a go sometime soon–saved to Pinterest!
Garf says
August 19, 2017 at 8:54 pmI will try your recipe. I love banana bread and was just actually thinking of making some.
Gee Villaruz says
September 4, 2017 at 5:19 amThat’s a nice idea, s bread in a jar. Maybe I can start a small home-based business out of it. I love baking banana bread and this is a great help.