How to Make a Healthier Banana Bread
Description
Though the Tiger King and banana bread phase of quarantine is long over, making banana bread at least biweekly has certainly lingered in many households. Especially when you have extra-ripe bananas, it’s hard to resist making a batch of warm, sweet, comforting banana bread. It’s a great way to avoid food waste while also treating yourself to a tasty breakfast, dessert, or snack.
Unfortunately, most popular banana bread recipes are full of over-processed sugars and other ingredients that aren’t the best for your body or skin. These ingredients not only deprive your body of its full energy potential, but they also are the culprit of blemishes, inflammation, and other skin concerns. It’s important to enjoy treats in moderation, but it’s especially important to substitute with healthier ingredients wherever possible.
If you’re tired of social distancing-snacking leading to dull or irritated skin, but don’t want to give up your favorite baked good, then follow this recipe for a healthier banana bread.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour (could be substituted with oat or almond flour)
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil (could be substituted with a healthy butter alternative, depending on personal nutrition preferences)
- ¼ – ½ cup honey or 100% pure maple syrup (coconut nectar is also an option), depending on desired sweetness
- 2 eggs (or egg alternative if following a plant-based diet)
- 1 cup mashed bananas (more if wanting a stronger banana flavor and increased moistness)
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk, plain or vanilla
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Dash of cinnamon
Instructions
As you gather your ingredients, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease your 9×5 loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Grab a large bowl and separate your wet and dry ingredients.
In your large bowl, beat together the oil and sweetener of choice. Next, beat in the eggs, mixing until well-combined. Then, whisk in the mashed bananas and milk of choice. If you notice your coconut oil becoming solid upon contact with the cold ingredients, simply allow it to rest on the stove for a few minutes or microwave it for about 30 seconds.
Next, add the baking soda, vanilla, salt and cinnamon. Gently whisk until combined. Finally, grab a big spoon or spatula and gently stir/fold in the flour, mixing until combined.
Pour your mixture into the pan, topping it with extra cinnamon, if desired. Bake for 50-60 minutes, testing it with a toothpick to ensure the batter is fully cooked.
Serve warm or cool for a delicious, skin healthy treat! You can adjust this recipe easily to fit any dietary needs or preferences, whether you are following a plant-based diet, a gluten-free diet, a dairy-free diet, or simply want to make better alternatives wherever possible.
Using these alternatives gives your body and brain more energy, helps prevents breakouts, and of course, tastes delicious.
