Tahini-Twisted Banana Bread: A Vegan Delight!
Hey there, fellow food adventurers! Craving something sweet, wholesome, and utterly delightful? Well, you've come to the right place! Forget those bland, boring baked goods – we're about to spice up your kitchen with a vegan banana bread that's got a secret weapon: tahini!
Picture this: a moist, fluffy loaf, subtly sweet and with a hint of nutty sophistication. Sounds good? This isn't your average banana bread. We're taking it to the next level with the creamy, rich goodness of tahini. Get ready to bake something that's as good for you as it tastes!
Why This Recipe Rocks
- It's Vegan: No eggs, no dairy, just pure plant-based deliciousness. Perfect for anyone, any time.
- Oil-Free: We're keeping it light and healthy by skipping the oil, without sacrificing any of that lovely moisture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap in a good gluten-free mix and everyone can get in on the fun.
- Refined Sugar-Free: Sweetened with natural maple syrup (or a similar liquid sweetener), it's a treat you can feel good about.
- Super Simple: Just a handful of staple ingredients, one mixing bowl, and you're good to go!
The Star Ingredients
- Overripe Bananas: The riper, the better! They bring moisture, sweetness, and that classic banana flavour we all love.
- Maple Syrup: The magic potion for extra sweetness and moisture. If you don't have maple syrup you could use Agave or brown rice syrup.
- Light Tahini: This is the star of the show, adding a unique, nutty flavour and a beautiful, soft texture. Make sure it's well mixed before use.
- Lemon Juice: A touch of acid that helps this loaf rise to the occasion. It reacts with the baking soda to create a light and fluffy crumb.
- Flour: We recommend all purpose flour, or use a Gluten-Free mix for a gluten free loaf, see the recipe notes below for more details.
- Baking Agents: A combo of baking soda and baking powder, for the perfect rise.
- Spices: Cinnamon and Cardamom, for extra flavor, but optional.
- Optional Extras: Chunks of dark chocolate to take this bread from great to glorious.
How to Make It
- Smash those ripe bananas like you mean it! Get them nice and mushy. Add the maple syrup and lemon juice and mix.
- Incorporate the tahini and mix well, it should be smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in your dry ingredients in batches until well combined. If using, throw in those yummy chocolate chunks.
- Pour the mixture into a prepared cake tin, top with a banana slice and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra wow factor.
- Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, let it cool down before slicing, if you can wait that long!
Tips and Tricks
- Frozen Bananas: They work, but might require a bit more baking time, don't worry they turn brown, this is normal
- Tahini: Light tahini works best for a milder flavour. If the flavor is still too strong for you substitute some with a neutral oil like olive oil or coconut.
- Slicing: Use a serrated knife for clean slices.
The Full Recipe
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 50-60 minutes Yields: 1 x 2lb loaf
Ingredients:
Wet:
- 400g (1 3/4 cups mashed) ripe bananas
- 180 ml (3/4 cup) maple syrup
- 10 ml (2 tsp) lemon juice
- 180g (3/4 cup) light tahini
Dry:
- 180g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour or GF mix
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional:
- 70g (2.5 oz) chocolate chunks
- 1 small banana, sliced in half, for decoration
- Sesame seeds, for decoration
Method:
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 2lb cake tin with baking paper.
- Mash the bananas well, add maple syrup and lemon juice. Mix.
- Add the well mixed tahini and combine.
- Gently fold in the flour in two batches, adding dry ingredients with the second batch.
- Add chocolate chunks (if using).
- Transfer to cake tin, add banana slices and sesame seeds on top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Brush with a little more maple syrup when hot. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Nutritional Information
(per slice, out of 18, includes chocolate)
- Calories: 160
- Sugars: 12g
- Fats: 6g
- Saturates: 1g
- Proteins: 3g
- Carbs: 25g
Sharing is Caring
If you make this recipe, tag us on Instagram using #lazycatkitchen and @lazycatkitchen. We’d love to see your creations!
Ready to Get Baking?
This vegan tahini banana bread is a perfect healthy treat and one you can feel good about. Go on, preheat your oven and let’s bake something amazing! Happy baking! and happy eating!