Banana bread seems to be a favorite quick bread of so many people, including myself.  It’s somewhat of a comfort food.  Whose mother or grandmother didn’t have a favorite recipe?

However, with sugar, unhealthy oils and white flour, I could never really think of it as a health food.  Now I can.  This is a delicious version made with 100 percent whole wheat and contains lots of healthy crunch.   Instead of sugar, I’ve used maple syrup.   Instead of margarine or an unhealthy oil, I’ve used avocado oil, but feel free to substitute it with coconut oil or another favorite.

It can also be made into muffins, which I’ve done numerous times, except you have to watch the cooking time, and lower it to around 10 or 15 minutes.   It also freezes amazingly well, and this is something I do regularly and enjoy the perfect portions once or twice a week until it’s time to make another batch.

The grainy texture with addition of healthy nuts and seeds is something unexpected in traditional banana breads, but it’s fabulous and works so well.

Chai spice is the perfect compliment to the banana.  And it’s really simple make.   Try making it!

 

Recipe for Chai Spice

2 teaspoon ground cardamon

2 teaspoon ground allspice

4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoon ground cloves

6 teaspoons ground ginger

Mix it all well and pour it into a spice container or small jar.

 

 

Vegan Banana Chai Bread Recipe

(preheat oven to 375 degrees)

2 cups whole wheat flour

3 tsp chai spice

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

4 ripe bananas

1/3 cup avocado oil

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/3 cup water

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup hemp seeds

1/8 cup sesame seeds

 

Mix first 5 dry ingredients in a large bowl and set aside.  On a plate, smash bananas fairly well with a fork and place into a medium bowl.  Add oil, maple syrup and water.   Pour the wet mix onto the dry mix, then pour on the nuts and seeds, then mix until it’s all mixed in together.  Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake until it’s done, after about 50 -60 minutes.  You will know when you insert a fork and it comes out clean.