I mean if we’re going to spend all our time baking banana bread, we should probably try to make some healthy sugar swaps occasionally. Otherwise, I’ll be made out of sugar in a few months. I should clarify, I’m definitely not anti-sugar – it has a place within my baking and my heart; however, I like to minimize my consumption of it, when possible.
Along with the sugar swap, this banana nut bread also includes the addition of rich walnuts to create a more decadent and filling snack/dessert, too. There are also a variety of ways that you can change this recipe to your dietary needs and tastes (mentioned below). As with every banana recipe, I have to stress the point of using the best bananas. They need to be over-ripened, brown spotty bananas. The more brown spots on the banana skin, the sweeter the fruit, which means flavorsome banana bread (which is even more important with this no sugar banana bread).
The Healthy Banana Bread Recipe How-To
Needed
Ripe bananas Whole wheat flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt, mixed spice, walnuts Date paste, eggs, vanilla extract, coconut oil
The Steps
Start by mashing the bananas in a large bowl. You should be able to do this with a fork, as overripe bananas will be lovely and soft. When you obtain a purée-like substance, add the eggs, homemade date paste and vanilla extract. Mix well and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and mixed spice. Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture. Then mix well, until thoroughly combined. Next, crush or roughly chop some of the walnuts and add them to the batter. Keep some of the nuts aside to top the banana bread. Incorporate them well in the mixture but don’t over-mix as that will affect the texture of the banana bread. Get your loaf pan ready by either lining it with a parchment paper liner or greasing it well.
Pour the batter into the loaf tin. Shred/grate the rest of the walnuts, or chop them very finely, and sprinkle on top of the banana bread. Bake in a preheated oven at 180ºC/350ºF for 1 hour. Leave the banana bread to cool down on a rack before cutting it. Alternatively, for longer-term storage, you can freeze this banana bread for up to three months. Slicing it pre-freeze can affect the moisture levels of the bread. Although, saying that, I’ve never been disappointed after thawing out a slice or two and it’s handy to have individual portions ready to thaw when needed.
How To Serve
There are several ways I love to enjoy my slices of banana bread. i.e.
Warmed up and with a slather of butter (and a cup of tea!) Spread with some vegan Nutella and berries Slathered in another nut butter – they’re creamy and rich and delicious when combined with the banana bread.
Healthier Homemade snickers Bars (Vegan) Raw Vegan Berry Cheesecake Slices Vegan Choc Chip & Banana Healthy Oatmeal Cookies Healthy Cacao & Almond Protein Balls
If you give this Healthy banana walnut bread recipe a try, then let me know your thoughts in the comments below. If you love this recipe and want to share your recreations with me on Instagram @AlphaFoodie.
