Banana Nut Bread

After successfully making my first batch of zucchini bread, I became inspired to whip up something similar. Banana instantly came to mind. Mmmm warm banana bread, fresh out of the oven... maybe with some walnuts... maybe even chocolate chips. I had to have it! Considering it is still summer, I wanted a lightened up version, but of course it still had to taste amazing. This recipe uses whole wheat flour, applesauce instead of oil, low fat buttermilk to keep it extra moist, and less sugar than the usual. Despite this, it is rich and decadent. Your friends and family will love it, and never know it's not filled with butter! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

3 - 4 over ripe bananas, mashed
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup all purpose flour
1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)

Gather your ingredients, spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray, and preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 

Mash up the bananas with a fork in a large bowl

Now add in all the wet ingredients: 2 eggs, 1/2 cup applesauce, 1/2 cup buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir until all ingredients are incorporated. 

In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and

 1 teaspoon salt 

Add the combined dry ingredients into the wet, a little at a time, until fully incorporated 

If using the walnuts, fold in at the very end. At this stage you could also add chocolate chips, pecans or any other goodie you like. 

Now pour the batter into the loaf pan. I sprinkled some walnuts on top, and perhaps feeling sad that I decided not to add chocolate chips into the batter, I thought what the heck, I'll throw some on top! Bake in your 350 degree oven for 45 - 55 minutes, or until a toothpick placed in the center comes out clean. 

Fresh out of the oven! Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a cooling rack. Bon appetit!