You’re looking for a delightful and wholesome treat that’s easy to bake. This Maple Walnut Date Banana Bread is a fantastic choice, offering a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. It’s perfectly sweet, moist, and packed with satisfying flavors.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for sweetness and moisture. Use very ripe, spotty bananas for the best flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener. You can substitute with honey if preferred, but maple syrup offers a distinct flavor.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds fiber and a hearty texture. All-purpose flour can be used for a lighter crumb.
- Walnuts: Provide crunch and healthy fats. Pecans or chopped almonds work well too.
- Dates: Add natural sweetness and chewiness. Dried cranberries or raisins are good alternatives.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 very ripe medium bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- ⅓ cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup (60ml) melted coconut oil (or unsweetened apple sauce for a lower fat option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup chopped Medjool dates, pitted
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 10-12 slices
Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, whisk, spatula, loaf pan (9×5 inches)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your healthy banana bread won’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set this aside. This step helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, mash your ripe bananas until mostly smooth. Stir in the almond milk, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix, as this can lead to tough banana bread. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Fold in Add-ins
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and dates. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. This adds delicious texture and natural sweetness to your healthy banana bread.
6. Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing it while warm is tempting, but cooling helps it set properly.
Variation Ideas:
- Chocolate Chip Goodness: Add ½ cup of mini dairy-free chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Spice It Up: Include a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Seed Power: Mix in 2 tablespoons of chia seeds or ground flax seeds for added nutrients.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of whole wheat flour.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Maple Walnut Date Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To enjoy later, slice and freeze individual pieces for up to 3 months, then thaw at room temperature or gently warm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can you make this healthy banana bread recipe vegan?
A: Yes, this recipe is already vegan as written!
Q: What if you don’t have very ripe bananas?
A: If your bananas aren’t very ripe, you can bake them on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until their skins are black and shiny.
Q: Can you make muffins instead of a loaf?
A: Absolutely! Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Q: How do you know when bananas are ripe enough for banana bread?
A: Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots and almost black peels; they will be soft and sweet.
Q: Is this healthy banana bread suitable for breakfast?
A: Yes, it’s a perfect wholesome and satisfying option for breakfast or a snack.
Q: Can you reduce the amount of maple syrup?
A: You can try reducing it by 1-2 tablespoons, but the dates and ripe bananas already contribute significant sweetness.
