Introduction
Whole Wheat Banana Bread is a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional banana bread. This recipe allows you to indulge in the rich flavors of ripe bananas, while incorporating whole wheat flour for added nutrition. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, making it a versatile addition to your baking repertoire.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Ripe bananas – 3 to 4 medium
– Whole wheat flour – 1 ½ cups
– Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
– Baking powder – ½ teaspoon
– Salt – ½ teaspoon
– Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
– Brown sugar – ¾ cup
– Eggs – 2 large
– Unsalted butter (melted) – ½ cup
– Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
– Optional: Walnuts or chocolate chips – ½ cup
Prep Time
Prep time for this delicious Whole Wheat Banana Bread is approximately 15 minutes. This includes the time needed to gather your ingredients and prepare them for mixing.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time is about 45 to 50 minutes, resulting in a total time of around 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields one standard loaf, which is perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that the banana bread bakes evenly from the start.
Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a loaf pan with oil or butter and line it with parchment paper to avoid the bread sticking.
Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1 to 1.5 cups of mashed banana.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well. Then, incorporate the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in the flour.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Add Additional Ingredients
If desired, fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
Transfer to Baking Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the Banana Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Before Serving
Once baked, allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Banana Ripeness
Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The more speckles on the banana peel, the better.
Storage Suggestions
Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing Options
Banana bread can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like cinnamon, shredded coconut, or dried fruits to change up the flavor of your banana bread.
