Let me tell you, there’s something so comforting about the smell of banana bread baking in the oven! Not only does it fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma, but this particular recipe is a powerhouse of health benefits, thanks to the use of wholemeal flour and dried fruit. Wholemeal flour adds fiber and nutrients, while the dried fruit brings natural sweetness and a lovely chewy texture. It’s like a hug in loaf form!

One of my fondest memories is making this banana bread on a lazy Sunday morning. My kids would wake up to that delightful scent wafting through the house, and they’d come barreling into the kitchen, eager to help. Trust me, the joy of seeing their faces light up as they get to mash the bananas is priceless! Plus, this recipe is so easy to whip up—perfect for those busy mornings or when you have overripe bananas begging for attention. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a deliciously moist loaf that’s not only satisfying but also good for you. It’s a win-win!

Ingredients for Banana Bread with Wholemeal Flour and Dried Fruit

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this scrumptious banana bread! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 ripe bananas (mashed until smooth)
• 1 cup wholemeal flour
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots work wonderfully)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for that touch of sweetness)
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (it adds a lovely richness)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda (to help it rise)
• 1/2 tsp salt (just a pinch to enhance the flavors)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (because who doesn’t love that vanilla aroma?)

Make sure your bananas are nice and ripe—they’ll mash easily and lend that perfect natural sweetness to your bread. And don’t be afraid to mix and match your dried fruits; it’s all about what you love best!

How to Prepare Banana Bread with Wholemeal Flour and Dried Fruit

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps to make this delightful banana bread! I promise, it’s easier than you might think, and the results are oh-so-rewarding. Just follow along, and you’ll have a loaf ready in no time!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, preheating is crucial for even baking! You want that lovely golden crust, and starting with a hot oven will help you achieve it. So, while you’re prepping, let that oven warm up!

Mash the Bananas

Next up, grab those ripe bananas and place them in a bowl. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash them until they’re smooth and creamy. You want to eliminate any lumps so the bananas blend beautifully into the batter. The riper, the better—those brown spots mean more sweetness! Yum!

Combine Wet Ingredients

In the same bowl, add your honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and you can’t see any separate ingredients. Don’t rush this part; you want a lovely, cohesive mixture that’s ready to embrace the dry ingredients!

Mix Dry Ingredients

Now, in a separate bowl, combine your wholemeal flour, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This step helps prevent any clumping when you add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, so don’t skip it!

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. I like to do this in two or three parts. This way, you can mix gently in between additions, avoiding any lumps and ensuring everything is nicely combined. Just fold it all together until you see no more flour. Remember, a little bit of mixing is fine, but don’t overdo it!

Fold in Dried Fruit

Now comes the fun part—folding in the dried fruit! Gently stir in your choice of dried fruit using a spatula. It’s all about the folding technique here; you want to incorporate the fruit without overmixing the batter. This keeps your banana bread light and fluffy!

Pour and Bake

Take a greased loaf pan and pour in your batter, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. It’s always a good idea to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. When it comes out clean, you’re golden!

Cooling

Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This step is super important! Allowing it to cool a bit makes it easier to slice without crumbling. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before you start slicing into that beautiful loaf!

Tips for Success

As with any baking adventure, having a few handy tips can make all the difference in your banana bread journey! Here are some of my tried-and-true recommendations to ensure your loaf turns out perfectly every time:

• Ripeness is Key: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots; they’re practically begging to be mashed!
• Mixing Technique: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, remember to fold gently. Overmixing can lead to dense bread. It’s all about finding that perfect balance!
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to swap out the dried fruit! Try adding chopped nuts for a delicious crunch or even mix in some dark chocolate chips for a decadent treat. The possibilities are endless!
• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. If you notice it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Storage Tips: To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to savor it longer, slice it and freeze it for future cravings!
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet loaf, feel free to reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup. You can always taste the batter (before adding eggs!) and adjust to your liking.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a moist, flavorful banana bread that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition in each slice of this delicious banana bread made with wholemeal flour and dried fruit:

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a general guideline. It’s always a good idea to check the nutrition labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy your healthy baking adventure!

FAQ About Banana Bread with Wholemeal Flour and Dried Fruit

Can I use different types of dried fruit?

Absolutely! One of the best things about this banana bread is its versatility. You can swap out the dried fruit for whatever you have on hand or prefer. Raisins, cranberries, apricots, or even a mix of all three work wonderfully! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped dates or figs for an extra burst of flavor. Just make sure to chop larger fruits into smaller pieces so they blend nicely into the batter.

How do I store banana bread?

To keep your banana bread fresh, I recommend storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay delicious for up to four days. If you notice it’s getting a bit dry, a quick trick is to wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to retain moisture. If you live in a particularly warm area, you might want to keep it in the fridge, but that can sometimes make it a bit crumbly. No one wants that!

Can I freeze banana bread?

Yes, you can definitely freeze banana bread! In fact, it’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy it later. Just slice the loaf first, and then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab a slice whenever the craving strikes! It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just thaw it overnight in the fridge or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy the taste of fresh banana bread anytime!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Indulgence: This banana bread is made with wholemeal flour and packed with dried fruit, making it a nutritious option for breakfast or a snack.
• Easy to Make: With just a handful of simple steps, you can whip up this delightful loaf in no time. It’s perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers!
• Versatile Flavor: You can customize this recipe with your favorite dried fruits or even add nuts and chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
• Kid-Friendly: It’s a fun recipe to make with kids! They’ll love mashing the bananas and mixing the ingredients, plus it’s a great way to sneak in some healthy eating.
• Great for Meal Prep: This banana bread keeps well, so you can make a loaf ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Perfect for busy mornings!
• Delicious Aroma: The smell of this banana bread baking will fill your home with warmth and comfort, making it hard to resist once it’s out of the oven!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got a delicious loaf of banana bread with wholemeal flour and dried fruit, let’s talk about how to enjoy it to the fullest! There are so many delightful ways to serve this bread that can enhance your eating experience.

• Spread It: A generous smear of butter or nut butter (like almond or peanut butter) can really take your banana bread to the next level. The creaminess complements the moist bread perfectly!
• Pair with Yogurt: Serve a slice alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey. It makes for a wholesome breakfast or snack that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
• Add a Side of Fruit: Fresh slices of strawberries, bananas, or even a medley of berries can brighten your plate and add a refreshing contrast to the sweet bread.
• Enjoy with a Hot Drink: There’s nothing like enjoying warm banana bread with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. The flavors meld beautifully, making it a cozy afternoon treat!
• Make it a Dessert: For an indulgent twist, warm a slice slightly in the microwave and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a simple yet decadent dessert option!

With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy your banana bread in so many delicious ways! I can’t wait for you to try them out and find your favorite! Happy munching!

Banana Bread with Wholemeal Flour and Dried Fruit Bliss

---

• Autor: Julia marin
• Gesamtzeit: 70 minutes
• Ertrag: 1 loaf 1x
• Ernährung: Vegetarisch

Drucken-Rezept

Pin-Rezept

Beschreibung

A healthy banana bread made with wholemeal flour and dried fruit.

---

Zutaten

Skala 1x2x3x

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1 cup wholemeal flour
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

---

Anweisungen

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mash the bananas.
3. Add honey, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. In another bowl, combine wholemeal flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
6. Fold in the dried fruit.
7. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let the bread cool before slicing.

Notes

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Use any dried fruit you prefer.
• Can add nuts for extra crunch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Kochen Zeit: 60 minutes
• Kategorie: Baked Goods
• Methode: Baking
• Küche: American

Ernährung

• Portionsgröße: 1 slice
• Kalorien: 150
• Zucker: 7g
• Natrium: 150mg
• Fett: 6g
• Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
• Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Kohlenhydrate: 22g
• Faser: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterin: 50mg

Keywords: banana bread, wholemeal flour, dried fruit, healthy baking