Recipe of the Week: Banana Bread Loaf

Delicious Banana Bread. Photo Supplied: Shutterstock  

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Banana bread recipe that's naturally sweetened, fluffy and perfect for breakfast or a snack. No refined sugar needed! Matching the Cassowary Coast’s favourite fruit!  

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Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 45–55 minutes

Makes: 1 loaf (approximately 8–10 slices)  

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Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (the browner, the better!)

• 2 eggs

• ⅓ cup olive oil or melted coconut oil

• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1½ cups wholemeal self-raising flour

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ cup milk of your choice

• Pinch of salt

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Optional extras:

• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips

• ¼ cup chopped walnuts

• 2 tbsp rolled oats for topping

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Method :

1. Mash your bananas

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Mash your bananas in a large mixing bowl until mostly smooth.

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2. Add wet ingredients

Mix in eggs, olive oil, honey, vanilla and milk until combined.

3. Add dry ingredients

Gently fold in flour, cinnamon and salt. Add chocolate chips or walnuts if desired. Don't overmix!

4. Prepare your loaf tin

Pour mixture into a lined loaf tin. Sprinkle rolled oats over the top if you like.

5. Bake!

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing.

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A few healthy tips

• Want more protein? Add 2–3 tablespoons of Greek yoghurt to the mixture.

• Want more fibre? Replace ½ cup of flour with rolled oats.

• Want less sugar? Leave out the honey altogether – ripe bananas provide plenty of natural sweetness.

• Want a little treat? Add dark chocolate chips.

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Enjoy a slice toasted with a little peanut butter or Greek yoghurt for a filling breakfast or afternoon snack!  

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