This may not be the best way to introduce my "health/fitness" section of my blog, but I enjoy baking so here goes nothing!
Banana bread is one of my favorite treats to bake. This isn't the healthiest recipe in the world, but it gives you a few healthier alternatives such as using honey instead of sugar, whole wheat flour instead of traditional flour, and dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
The best part: the taste is delectable, and your home will smell amazing!
Whole Wheat Banana Bread with Dark Chocolate Chips
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup (or 1 stick) or unsalted butter
1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 medium to large bananas (sometimes I substitute 1 banana for 1 cup of applesauce)
1/4 cup honey
2 large eggs
1 1/2 - 2 cups whole wheat flour (whole wheat flour is heavier than traditional flour, so I recommended starting low and adding more to get the right consistency)
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Lightly grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan. I usually use Crisco, All-Vegetable Shortening.
In a medium sized bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. Add and beat together the bananas (and/or applesauce), honey, and eggs until smooth. Slowly add the flour, stirring until smooth. Mix in the dark chocolate chips, leaving a few to garnish the top of the loaf. Dish into the loaf pan and let it set, uncovered for 10 minutes.
Bake the bread for 50 minutes. Use a toothpick or similar to insert into the center of the loaf. If it does not come out clean, continue to bake until done. Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before removing from the pan and placing onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Begin devouring the delicious masterpiece!
3p/30c/7f
Happy baking!
XOXO
- Katharine