Banana Bread

Summary: Banana bread is a popular, easy to make and delicious snack. Gone are the days when it was heavy and loaded with sugar. Today I recommend two healthier recipes while retaining all the delicious flavors in them as well. I am covering all grounds, one of the recipes is made with flour, the other one without. Choose whichever you prefer! We like them both!

Delicious & Healthy Banana Bread

Why to use bananas? Simply, because they are good for you. And yummy. Actually bananas are one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world. Bananas are healthy because they not only lower blood pressure, reduce the risks of asthma and certain cancer types, but also help to thicken the stomach lining to protect against stomach acids. They are naturally free of fat, cholesterol, and sodium. One average serving of banana contains approximately 110 calories, 30 grams of carbohydrate and 1 gram of protein.

bananaBananas contain the following vitamins and minerals:

  • Vitamin A – 81 IU
  • Vitamin C – 9 mg
  • Dietary Fiber – 3g
  • Folate – 25 mcg
  • Iron – 0.3 mg
  • Manganese – 0.3 mg
  • Magnesium – 34 mg
  • Niacin – 0.8 mg
  • Potassium – 450 mg
  • Protein – 1 g
  • Riboflavin – 0.1 mg
  • Vitamin B6 – 0.5 mg

Here are the two articles I promised. Both recipes are delicious, even the version made with flour uses honey instead of sugar, so still a lighter version than the original cake.

Healthy, flourless banana loaf with walnuts, pecans and dried fruit

Prep time: 
Cooking time: 
Serves: 10

Ingredients:banana_bread

  • 3 mashed, ripe bananas
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts, pecans (or hazelnuts)
  • 1/2 raisins or various dried fruits

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 175 degrees C (350°F).
  2. Lightly grease 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
  3. Add all ingredients, except nuts and dried fruit (raisins) to a blender and blend everything until it is well combined.
  4. Add the died fruit and nuts to the batter and combine everything carefully.
  5. Pour batter into the loaf pan.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the loaf completely in the pan.
  8. Store bread in an airtight container.

Delicious Banana Bread decorated with banana slices

Prep time: 
Cooking time: 6
Serves: 10

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 175 degrees C (350°F).
  2. Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl combine flour, baking soda and salt.
  4. In a second bowl, mix together the butter and honey.
  5. Stir in the eggs and mashed bananas.
  6. Stir banana mixture into the flour mixture and pour the batter into the loaf pan.
  7. Decorate the top of the batter with thin slices of banana.
  8. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Keep the bread in the baking pan for 15 minutes, and then turn out onto a wire rack. 
  10. Store bread in an airtight container.

Are you looking for more?  This is just one of the many nutritious dishes we recommend at the Temple. We aim for healthy, delicious and light recipes to keep you energized and in the best possible shape. After all, nutrition is a big part of how you feel and look in your body.

by Alain Buffing