Whole-wheat Banana Bread

Before the arrival of baby Vishnu, my weekends and any spare afternoons were spent baking all sorts of delicious baked goods. I prided myself in being able to make bread, muffins, and even granola bars from scratch. Although I barely have spare time these days, I still feel the urge to bake. When that urge hits, I usually look through my recipes for something easy I can prepare in the very little time I have before the baby wakes up from his nap.

This delicious banana bread comes together very quickly and makes for a great afterschool snack for the kids. I use organic whole wheat flour, applesauce in place of some of the oil that is required, milled flaxseeds, and shelled hemp hearts, to make this classic quick bread more nutritious. My eggless recipe turns out yummy and moist each and every time. It also makes a great gift for the vegetarian and vegan friends in your life.

Banana Bread RECIPE

Makes: 1 loaf

Ingredients:

• 3very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1.5 cups whole wheat flour (I used organic whole wheat flour)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup applesauce
• 2 Tbsp oil (I used melted coconut oil)
• 3 Tbsp hemp hearts
• 3 Tbsp ground flax seeds
• 1/4 cup raisins or mini chocolate chips
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extra
• 1.5 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a non-stick loaf pan, and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the flour, hemp hearts, ground flax seeds, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, add the mashed bananas, brown sugar, apple sauce, oil, and vanilla extract. Using a wooden spoon, stir until combined.
4. Add the flour mixture and raisins into the banana mixture and slowly stir until the flour is just combined. Over-stirring will result in a tough texture.
5. Pour batter in prepared loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven until done (approximately 40 minutes). Bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the centre of the bread comes out clean.

NOTE:

• Since coconut oil is solid at room temperature, it must be melted before using in the recipe. If you are storing the banana bread in the fridge, it will harden slightly. Warm to room temperature before serving.
• Flaxseeds are known for their high Omega-3 fatty acid content, but they are also an excellent source of fibre and other nutrients. Studies show that eating a diet consisting of flaxseeds reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancers. These ground flaxseeds can be used in baking, sprinkled on top of yogurt or cereals, and even blended into smoothies!
• Hemp seeds, also known as hemp hearts, are a great source of high-quality plant protein, essential fatty acids and fats Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-6 GLA. They are also a good source of several minerals, fibre, and contain high amounts of Vitamin E.