Banana Bread With Almond Flour And Coconut Oil
Who doesn't love a warm slice of freshly baked banana bread? It's a classic treat that never goes out of style. However, traditional banana bread recipes are often loaded with sugar and refined flour, making them a less-than-ideal choice for those trying to maintain a healthy diet. But fear not, because we have a recipe for banana bread that's not only delicious, but also gluten-free, low in sugar, and packed with nutrients. Plus, it's made with almond flour and coconut oil, two ingredients that add a delicious twist to the traditional recipe.
The Benefits of Almond Flour and Coconut Oil
Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a moment to talk about the benefits of the two main ingredients used in this banana bread recipe: almond flour and coconut oil.
Almond flour is made from ground almonds and is a great alternative to traditional all-purpose flour. It's high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, and contains less carbohydrates than regular flour. Almond flour is also rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium, making it a healthier choice for those trying to maintain a balanced diet.
Coconut oil is another ingredient that's become popular in recent years due to its health benefits. It's a great source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are quickly metabolized by the body and used as energy. Coconut oil is also rich in antioxidants and has been shown to improve heart health, boost brain function, and even aid in weight loss.
Now that you know the benefits of these two ingredients, let's get to the recipe!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for topping
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with coconut oil or cooking spray.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together mashed bananas, eggs, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Optional: Fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Optional: Sprinkle additional toppings on top of the batter.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Remove from pan and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Final Thoughts
This banana bread recipe is not only delicious, but it's also a healthier alternative to traditional recipes. Almond flour and coconut oil add a delicious twist to the classic treat, while also providing added health benefits. Plus, it's gluten-free, low in sugar, and packed with nutrients. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a guilt-free slice of banana bread!