Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (210 g) spelt flour (or whole wheat, unbleached all-purpose, or gluten free blend)
- 1/3 cup (75 g) organic pure cane sugar (or 1/2 cup finely chopped dates)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of mineral salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup (75 ml) neutral flavored oil (or liquid coconut oil, vegan butter at room temperature, or applesauce)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 small or 3 large overripe bananas (about 1 1/2 – 1 3/4 cups or 338-410 g), mashed
- 1/4 cup (56 ml) almond milk (use only if needed)
Add-ins
- 1/2 – 2/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup chocolate chips (mini or regular)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, mash 3 to 4 ripe bananas thoroughly. Add your choice of oil or applesauce and vanilla extract, then mix until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the banana mixture, add flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix gently just until the flour is incorporated; the batter should be slightly thick with some lumps. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Adjust Consistency: If the batter appears too thick, especially when using whole wheat or spelt flour, gradually add almond milk until the desired consistency is reached.
- Add Nuts and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Cool: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing to ensure it holds together well.
- Store Properly: Keep the banana bread covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to one week, or freeze for up to 2 months. To serve after freezing, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a microwave or toaster oven as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute spelt flour with whole wheat, unbleached all-purpose, or gluten free flour blends depending on dietary needs.
- Use finely chopped dates as a natural sweetener substitute for cane sugar.
- If you prefer a lower-fat option, replace oil with applesauce.
- Adding almond milk is optional and mainly needed for thicker batter when using heavier flours.
- Check baking time as ovens vary; start testing with a toothpick at 50 minutes.
- This recipe is very adaptable for add-ins like nuts and chocolate chips according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan