Okay, confession time! My back decided to stage a protest this week, leaving me in a world of pain. So, the fancy recipe I had planned is on hold, but fear not, my friends, because I've got a backup that's just as delicious and far less demanding - a super easy, super healthy, vegan banana bread!
This isn't your average banana bread; we're ditching the oil and refined sugars and keeping it real with wholefood ingredients and plenty of that delicious banana flavour. Imagine a loaf that's moist, perfectly sweet, and packed with nutty goodness, all while being totally guilt-free.
It's the kind of recipe that fits into any lifestyle: a post-workout refuel, a school lunchbox star, or just a little something to make your afternoon amazing.
What Makes This Banana Bread So Great?
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Loads of Bananas: The riper, the better! Spotty bananas are gold in this recipe—they add a ton of natural sweetness and moisture. If you see your greengrocer giving them away, grab them! (And yes, while frozen bananas work, fresh is always best!).
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Sweetness without the Guilt: Maple syrup does the trick, but any neutral sweetener like agave or date syrup will be just as good.
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Nuts for Nut Butter: Almond butter adds a nutty flavour and healthy fats, but feel free to swap to peanut butter (if that's your jam!), tahini, or sunflower seed butter if nuts aren't your thing. The key is a drippy butter with lots of natural fats.
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Flour Power: White flour, spelt flour, or a good GF flour mix will work wonders here. I find a flour with some starches gives a great texture.
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Raising the Bar: Baking soda and powder do the lifting, and a touch of lemon juice adds that extra oomph. And, you know what? A little cinnamon to finish will warm the whole thing through!
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Don't Forget the Salt: Salt helps brings out all the delicious flavours. Its a must!
Let's Get Baking!
Ready for the easiest banana bread you've ever made? Grab a single mixing bowl, and let's get started:
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Mash those ripe bananas like you mean it! Then mix in the maple syrup and the nut butter. If you have it to hand, throw in a dash of lemon or lime juice.
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Mix the wet ingredients really well before sifting in the dry stuff in two or three goes. This way we get a lovely fine crumb, but if your short on time, don't worry about it.
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Pour the batter into a lined loaf tin and top with an extra banana sliced in half.
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Bake until golden and a toothpick comes out (mostly) clean.
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Cool it down, then slice and enjoy this super healthy and delicious treat.
Vegan Banana Bread Recipe
Yields: 1 loaf Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 400g (about 1 3/4 cups mashed) ripe bananas
- 120ml (1/2 cup) maple syrup
- 120g (1/2 cup) drippy almond butter (or other nut/seed butter)
- 5ml (1 tsp) lemon or lime juice (optional)
- 200g (scant 1 3/4 cups) all-purpose, spelt, or GF flour mix
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a 900g (2 lb) loaf tin with baking paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas well. Mix in the maple syrup and almond butter.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in 2-3 batches, folding each batch gently into the wet ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin. Decorate with extra banana if you like.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes:
- Bananas: Weigh your peeled bananas for best results. About 4 medium to large bananas will do.
- Almond Butter: Feel free to use other nut or seed butters if you are allergic or if you prefer them
- Tin Size: Use a 2lb (900g) tin, about 18.5cm x 8cm x 6cm to get the best bake
So there you have it – a delicious, healthy, and easy banana bread that's perfect for any occasion. Happy baking, and I hope you love it as much as I do!