Healthier Banana Bread

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The 7th newcomer, and 2nd loaf-based recipe!

Banana bread is everywhere. In most cafes, bakeries , and even some corner shops. As delicious as they are, unfortunately they are not the most nourishing due to their high calorie density and lower protein, fiber content, and micro-nutrient content. I am here to change that.

So let’s bake this, shall we?

Ingredients

Makes ~10 servings

  • 2 medium eggs
  • 3 medium bananas (~375g), ripe & pureed
  • 80g maple syrup/honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 55ml (almond) milk/water
  • 65g (70ml) coconut/neutral oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 200g flour (all-purpose or whole grain wheat) *
  • 60g mix-ins (walnuts, pecans, chocolate chunks, raisins, cranberries, etc.)
  • Toppings (pumpkin seeds, banana slices, cinnamon powder, chocolate, etc.) (optional)

* Note on flour: Want more protein? Substitute 50g of the flour with your favorite protein powder!

Required Utensils

Chances are that you already have most of what’s listed below. But as a student, I used to have basically nothing at hand, so all necessary items are listed below:

  • Medium bowl, to hold all wet ingredients
  • Large bowl, to hold all dry ingredients (and then batter)
  • Weight scale, to measure ingredients (in grams)
    • Or use measuring cups if handy
  • Measuring spoons (at least for teaspoon & tablespoon measurements)
  • Whisk, for initial mixing (can use spoon instead)
  • Silicone spatula, for final mixing
  • Metal bread loaf pan, around 27.5x14cm (9×5 inch dish also works!)
  • Oven thermometer, for extra accuracy 😛 (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 325°F (165°C), ideally on convection setting. Use oven thermometer to ensure correct temp.
  2. In medium & large bowls respectively, using whisk, separately mix wet & dry ingredients till thoroughly combined. Set aside.
    NOTE: If using coconut oil, add in only right before combining wet & dry ingredients, to avoid solidification before combining.
  3. Form a well in center of bowl with dry ingredients. Pour wet ingredients into dry. Using rubber spatula, stir in wide circular strokes till mostly combined.
  4. Now add in your mix-ins and continue stirring the same way till just combined; DO NOT overmix. Small lumps are okay!
  5. Grease your bread loaf tray with coconut/neutral oil or cooking spray (or line with baking paper if sticks easily) and pour batter into tray. Add toppings as desired.
  6. Bake for 45 to 60 min, or until toothpick/knife sliced in center is mostly clean & not liquid.
  7. Take tray out of the oven, and let bread rest in tray for 10 min.
  8. Take bread out of tray carefully and let cool on a wire rack or other flat surface for at least another hour. Then slice & enjoy!
The bread before baking.

Storage

Methods
  • Whole: wrapped in plastic wrap (optionally on a plate) or in enclosed container
  • Slices: each wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil
    • Store slice wraps in air-tight bag (if freezing)
Shelf life
  • Room temp: 1-2 days
  • Fridge: 1 week
  • Freezer: 3 months (best quality, assuming temp below 0°F/-18°C)

Got any questions or suggestions? Comment down below!

First posted on December 5, 2024.

Last updated on December 5, 2024.