Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan and set aside (a non-stick baking spray with flour works well).
Using an electric handheld or stand mixer, cream the shortening and sugar till light and fluffy. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Add the bananas and mix till well incorporated.
Next, add the baking soda, salt, flour, cinnamon, and nuts (if using) and mix thoroughly. The batter will be thick and sticky.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about an hour or until the center is brown and set. It should spring back when touched.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Be sure your bananas are very ripe, or the bread won’t have much flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Banana Bread
Amount per Serving
Calories
242
% Daily Value*
Fat
13
g
20
%
Saturated Fat
3
g
19
%
Trans Fat
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
4
g
Cholesterol
27
mg
9
%
Sodium
203
mg
9
%
Potassium
97
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
31
g
10
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
19
g
21
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
50
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
14
mg
1
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.