Introduction
Welcome to the comforting world of homemade baking! There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh banana bread wafting through your home, especially when it’s made with wholesome ingredients. This Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread is not only delightfully moist and flavorful but also packed with nutrition. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, a hint of cinnamon, and the satisfying crunch of nuts (if you choose to add them), this loaf is sure to become a favorite in your household. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, let’s dive into this heartwarming recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar for topping
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your banana bread releases easily when baked.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until they’re smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the unsweetened applesauce, honey or maple syrup, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined into a lovely, fragrant mixture.
- In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This will ensure even distribution of all the dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Remember, a few lumps are perfectly fine — do not overmix!
- If you like a little extra crunch, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the top of the batter, creating a sweet, crunchy topping that will delight your taste buds.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, and the top will have a beautiful crust.
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help it set perfectly!
Notes or Tips
Feel free to experiment with adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even spices like nutmeg for an even richer flavor profile. For a sweeter loaf, you can increase the brown sugar. This banana bread also freezes beautifully, so consider making an extra loaf to enjoy later!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe utilizes the muffin method for mixing, which helps achieve a moist and tender crumb. Make sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them, as this helps prevent overworking the flour, which can lead to dense bread. Additionally, allowing the ripe bananas to reach a nearly blackened state can enhance their sweetness and flavor, making your banana bread even more delicious.
FAQ
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ slightly, resulting in a lighter loaf.
How do I know when my banana bread is done?
The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is done. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I make this banana bread vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use maple syrup in place of honey.
Conclusion
There you have it! A wholesome, warm, and utterly delicious Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread that brings the joy of baking right into your kitchen. Enjoy it fresh from the oven, or savor it over the next few days as a delightful snack. This recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a step towards healthier indulgence. Happy baking!