Print

Healthy Banana Bread with Wholemeal Flour and Dried Fruit

Healthy Banana Bread with Wholemeal Flour and Dried Fruit

Healthy Banana Bread with Wholemeal Flour and Dried Fruit is a moist, flavorful, and wholesome baked treat combining the nutty richness of wholemeal flour, natural sweetness from overripe bananas, and bursts of concentrated flavor from dried fruit. This easy-to-make recipe offers a nutritious upgrade to classic banana bread, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert with customizable options for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups wholemeal flour
  • 3 ripe overripe bananas, mashed
  • ½ cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 tbsp natural sweetener (honey or maple syrup)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp additional spices (optional: nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger)
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil or ½ cup yogurt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by mashing the ripe bananas until smooth, then gather your measured wholemeal flour, dried fruit, and all other ingredients to have everything ready for mixing.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, natural sweetener, vegetable oil or yogurt, and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the wholemeal flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and any other spices you’re using to ensure even distribution and prevent clumps.
  4. Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bread.
  5. Add Bananas and Dried Fruit: Fold in the mashed bananas and your choice of dried fruit, distributing them evenly through the batter for consistent flavor in every slice.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into a greased loaf tin and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 50 to 60 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Notes

  • Choose overripe bananas for sweetness and moisture.
  • Don’t overmix to keep the bread tender and avoid dense texture.
  • Measure flour precisely by spooning and leveling.
  • Add dried fruit last to prevent clumping and sinking.
  • Ovens vary; start checking bread after 45 minutes.
  • Use fresh spices for a better aroma and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, healthy banana bread, wholemeal flour, dried fruit, nutritious banana bread, fiber-rich banana bread