Why does banana bread ALWAYS hit the spot?
Honestly, I took a break on making banana bread for while when we went (mostly) gluten free. But after some trial and error, I think I've found my sweet spot with some gluten free recipes. There are a lot of renditions in how you could do the below, but I thought a banana bread highlighting MACA would be fun and delicious.
INGREDIENTS:
3 mashed bananas
2 cups almond flour
1/2 cup melted coconut oil
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup dark choco chips
2 tbsp maca
1 tsp b soda
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 325.
Mash the bananas, and then toss in the melted oil, syrup, vanilla and eggs. Mix.
Then add almond flour, maca and baking soda in. Mix well. You can do in a Kitchen Aid or in a bowl -- I have done both.
Chocolate chips and walnuts can go in last, if adding those in. Can sub different nuts.
For extra flare (and deliciousness), you can drizzle peanut or almond butter on top and sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top.
Pour into bread tin and bake for an hour ish (until cooked through, but not dry!). I usually start checking mine at 50 minutes, but I like it to be cooked through.
I let mine fully cool in the bread tin before trying to get it out or slicing it. Since I didn't want to mess with the top of mine this time, I just cut slices out of the pan.
Enjoy! I dare you to try to keep this around for more than a day or two.
In this batch, I also sprinkled some of my granola on top, but no worries if you don't have any of that lying around. I just like a little crunch/texture on the top of my baked goods sometimes. Even a little extra chopped nuts could do the same. Or pumpkin seeds.
The texture is moist and literally melts in your mouth, while satisfying that delicious banana bread taste and texture we all love. I love that this recipe has healthy oils and fats, as well as the super food maca. I like pairing maca with cacao, so that's why I threw it in here. And these benefits...
MACA is a Peruvian plant grown in the Andes mountains. It is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning that it is related to broccoli, cabbage, and kale. Maca is associated with many beneficial effects, such as the following:
Increasing libido.
Boosting energy and endurance.
Increasing fertility.
Improving mood.
Reducing blood pressure.
Reducing sun damage.
Fighting free radicals.
Anti-aging.
Plus, the many other benefits of cacao, bananas, coconut oil, almonds and walnuts! This bread happens to be gluten and dairy free, but is seriously bomb. I'm telling you -- try it. Tag me when you do.
HAPPY BAKING, friends!
XOXO
