One thing this year I’ve been baking A LOT during the pandemic is banana bread! It has always been one of my favourite things to bake, as its so easy to make and such a comfort food to eat. In the beginning of the pandemic I was in search of a healthier banana bread, as we were consuming a lot more than usual between breakfast/snack time! (We usually can eat 1 loaf in just 3 – 4 days). After searching online and reading different recipes, I stumbled upon a recipe by Half Baked Harvest that uses coconut oil and honey vs butter and refined sugar. After a couple different substitutions and tests with recipe I have now landed on my new healthier favourite everyday banana bread recipe. I use all whole wheat flour for a earthier taste, maple syrup, and switch in 1/2 tsp of baking powder vs. baking soda to get more of a rise. This recipe is great base to add in anything else you’d like (i.e. chopped nuts, chocolate, skor bits etc.). Hope you make this recipe as often as I do! :)

RECIPE (1 loaf)

4 medium sized ripe bananas
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
as many chocolate chips as you want! or any other toppings!

PREHEAT: oven to 350 F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.

MASH: up the ripe bananas in a large bowl (TIP – I use my hand blender to mash it up, so much quicker!).

MELT: the coconut oil (TIP – I melt my coconut oil by putting in a microwavable bowl, 30 secs then 15 sec if coconut oil is not completely melted)

BEAT: the 2 room temperature eggs in a small bowl (TIP – if your eggs aren’t room temperature just put them in hot water for 5 minutes).

MIX: into the large bowl of mashed bananas the remainder of wet ingredients – coconut oil, beaten eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract. Add the remainder of the dry ingredients – whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, mix until just combined.

FOLD: in chocolate chips or any other ingredients like chopped nuts. Pour mixture into the prepared pan and add any other toppings.

BAKE: for 50 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, until a knife inserted into the crown of the loaf comes out clean. Let the loaves cool 20 – 30 minutes before cutting.