Whole Wheat Banana Bread
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm slice of banana bread fresh from the oven, especially when it’s made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour. This Whole Wheat Banana Bread recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for breakfast, snacks, or even a light dessert. With its moist texture and sweet banana flavor, this bread is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you have ripe bananas sitting on your counter or you’re looking for a healthier treat, this recipe is a delightful solution.
Reasons to Love Whole Wheat Banana Bread
There are numerous reasons to fall in love with this Whole Wheat Banana Bread. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. In just one bowl, you can combine your ingredients and pop it into the oven. The use of whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and boosts the nutritional value, offering more fiber than all-purpose flour. The natural sweetness from bananas means you can reduce added sugars by using honey or maple syrup as a sweetener. Plus, it’s adaptable! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits to make it your own.
Ingredient List
To make this wholesome banana bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup whole white wheat flour or whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1/3 cup canola oil, or melted coconut oil or butter
- 1/3 cup honey, or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup mashed banana (about 3-4 ripe bananas)
Appliances & Accessories
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following appliances and accessories handy:
- Mixing bowl – for combining your ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements
- Whisk or fork – to mix the wet ingredients
- Rubber spatula – for folding in the dry ingredients
- Loaf pan – to bake your banana bread
- Oven mitts – to safely remove the hot bread from the oven
Whole Wheat Banana Bread in Steps
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your banana bread bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Loaf Pan
Grease your loaf pan lightly with oil or line it with parchment paper. This will help the bread easily release from the pan after baking.
Step 3: Mash the Bananas
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Aim for about 1 cup of mashed banana, which usually takes 3-4 medium-sized bananas.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the canola oil, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and the egg to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Mix Dry with Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold the mixture gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 7: Pour into Loaf Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with the spatula. If desired, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor.
Step 8: Bake
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
Make It Year-Round
This Whole Wheat Banana Bread is perfect for any season, and here are a few ideas to keep it fresh throughout the year:
- Add seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the fall for a cozy touch.
- In summer, incorporate fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries for a fruity twist.
- Experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.
- For a chocolatey version, mix in dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder.
Chef’s Notes
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- You can store overripe bananas in the freezer until you’re ready to bake; just thaw them out before using.
- This bread can be customized with your favorite add-ins like seeds, dried fruits, or spices.
- If you prefer a sweeter bread, feel free to increase the honey or maple syrup slightly.
Shelf Life & Storage
To ensure your Whole Wheat Banana Bread stays fresh:
- Store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- You can refrigerate it for up to a week, but it may dry out slightly.
- For longer storage, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature, or warm it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Whole Wheat Banana Bread FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, but the flavor and texture will differ. Whole wheat flour adds a nuttier taste and more fiber.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
You can replace the egg with a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Adding nuts like walnuts or chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture of your banana bread. Feel free to mix in about 1/2 cup of your favorite add-ins.
How do I know when my banana bread is done baking?
Your banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Cook This Next
If you enjoyed making Whole Wheat Banana Bread, you might also like:
- Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread
- One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Blueberry Banana Bread
- Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Bring It to the Table
Whole Wheat Banana Bread is not just a treat; it’s a way to bring friends and family together. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast with a smear of nut butter or serve it as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea, this bread is a versatile addition to any table. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift, wrapped in an eco-friendly package for a thoughtful touch.
This Whole Wheat Banana Bread recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients creating something extraordinary. The combination of ripe bananas and wholesome flour brings a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen, reminding us of the joys of home baking. So, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of freshly baked banana bread fill your home. Enjoy every slice, and share the love!
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Whole Wheat Banana Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease your loaf pan lightly with oil or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Add the canola oil, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and the egg to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, using a rubber spatula to fold gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with the spatula.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Store overripe bananas in the freezer until ready to bake.
- Customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
