One of the things I have enjoyed most during these challenging times of self-isolation and quarantine is, baking. The satisfaction of experimenting in the kitchen and playing around with ingredients has brought me a lot of joy and mental stimulation. Banana bread is a classic sponge cake which I have always enjoyed, and after some experimentation, I am very excited to be able to share with you this gluten free, dairy free and refined sugar free recipe. I am also happy to report that it tastes just as good as the real thing without any of the downsides! Keep reading to learn about the benefits of our key ingredients and to see the recipe.
Benefits of Key Ingredients
Banana
Bananas are rich in potassium which helps our bodies to maintain a healthy heartbeat and proper water balance. Due to high levels of potassium, bananas can also assist in fuelling brain power. They are the ideal snack post work out or for when study/concentration are required.
Oats
Oats are an incredibly nutritious grain. They are gluten free and a terrific source of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. A few of their key benefits are that they help to stabilise blood sugar levels, they satiate us for longer, and, when eaten regularly, they significantly reduce cholesterol in the body.
Almond flour
Almond flour is essentially ground up almonds, and nothing else. You can attempt to make this at home with your food processor, but it is now more commonly found is supermarkets as well. Almonds are one of the most beneficial nuts you can consume, they are both a good source of protein and Vitamin E making them great for your skin and hair.
Honey
Honey is an excellent sugar substitute for any baking recipe. White processed sugar is pure poison for the body and wreaks havoc on your skin breaking down collagen and also often resulting in acne breakouts due to the increased inflammation it causes in the body. Honey, on the other hand has a lower GI Index, meaning it doesn't spike your blood sugar levels. It also contains a good amount of antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Walnuts
As with the other ingredients in this dessert, walnuts are also great #SkinFood. These nuts contain powerful antioxidants which can help us to fight oxidative cell damage. i.e. they are great for anti ageing. They are also an excellent source of Omegas 3 & 6 which are essential for good cognitive function and overall healthy skin.
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas
1 cup of walnuts
3/4 cup of almond flour
1 cup of oats
2 eggs
1/2 cup of honey
1/3 cup of melted coconut oil
1/4 cup of almond milk (any non-dairy milk/water will do)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Pre heat your oven to 360 °F/180 °C. Take your baking tray and grease the sides and base with coconut oil.
Place your 3 ripe bananas inside a bowl, and use a fork to slowly mash them. Crack two eggs and add them to your bananas. Measure one cup of oats and add them to your mixture. Follow by adding 3/4 cup of almond flour. Measure 1/4 cup of almond milk (any non-dairy milk/water will do) and add this to your mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder, follow with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add your 1/3 cup of melted coconut oil, followed by 1/2 cup of honey. Finally add 3/4 cup of walnuts, take a whisk and blend all together. All ingredients should mix easily together within a matter of seconds. Transfer your cake mix into your pre-greased baking tray. Sprinkle your remaining 1/4 cup of walnuts over the top of the cake. Feel free to improvise and add dark chocolate chips as well as coconut flakes or sliced fresh banana.
Place your tray in the oven for 50 minutes. Once out of the oven, allow your banana bread to cool for 20 minutes. This recipe serves approximately 10 slices.
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