Healthy Banana Bread

 

Yes, half the loaf is already gone!

With bananas (of course),  flax seeds, walnuts, kefir, whole wheat flour and only 2 TBS of oil,  I think these can qualify as healthy! But, don’t worry. Neither the flavor, nor the tenderness suffer for it.  This is my go-to banana bread recipe, and I think its very moist and the perfect amount of sweetness. They also make wonderful muffins. The only downside, if you can count it as such, is that it takes three bowls to make this. 😀

In one bowl:

• mash 2 overripe bananas

In another bowl mix together:

• 1c all purpose flour
• 1/2c whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/4t salt
• 1/2t baking soda
• 1t baking powder
• 2t pumpkin pie spice (the one I have lacks much flavor, so if yours is strong, or you want to use just cinnamon, you may reduce it to 1tsp)

In third bowl:

• 1TBS ground flax seeds
• 3 TBS water
• 1 egg
• 1/4c brown sugar
• 1/3c granulated sugar
• 2 TBS oil (I used sunflower)
• 1/4c kefir (or yogurt- plain)
• 2t vanilla extract

Have ready:

1/2 c walnuts (I like to add a little more) +1 TBS flour

Preheat oven to 350.

Grease and flour a loaf pan. Mine is a smaller size, I think 4×8, and if you use a larger one it may not be as thick/high, so keep that in mind.

Mix the flax seed with water and let it sit for 5 mins . Add the egg and beat with a fork. Then beat the sugars into that, mixing well. Add the rest of the “wet” ingredients and the bananas and continue beating. Get out all your aggression. Then add the “dry” flour mixture and mix lightly till just incorporated.  In the’ flour’ bowl mix the chopped walnuts with another 1TBS of flour, then stir into the batter. The reason for this is so they don’t all sink to the bottom of the pan .

Bake for 40 minutes.

Once out of the oven and cool enough to handle, turn out onto a baking rack to finish cooling completely. If you allow it to cool in the pan, the bottom may get soggy.

I am submitting this to “monthly mingle – baking with fruit” hosted by Deeba of passionateaboutbaking and created by Meeta of whats for lunch honey!