Healthy Banana Bread with Wholemeal Flour and Dried Fruit

If you’re craving a treat that’s both delicious and nourishing, then you are in for a real delight with Healthy Banana Bread with Wholemeal Flour and Dried Fruit. This recipe takes the beloved classic banana bread and gives it a wholesome makeover, combining the hearty texture of wholemeal flour with the natural sweetness and chewy bursts of dried fruit. The result is a moist, flavorful loaf packed with fiber, vitamins, and natural sugars from the fruit, making it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert without any guilt.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Wholesome Ingredients: Wholemeal flour adds fiber and nutrients, creating a healthier base for your banana bread.
• Natural Sweetness: Ripe bananas combined with dried fruit reduce the need for added sugars.
• Moist & Flavorful: The dried fruit adds bursts of texture and flavor that make every bite exciting.
• Easy to Make: Simple pantry staples come together quickly for a fuss-free baking experience.
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a snack, and suitable for whole families.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe has its special purpose, from enhancing the flavor to improving the texture and adding nutritional value. Using wholemeal flour boosts fiber, bananas bring moisture and sweetness, and dried fruits contribute texture and natural sugars.

• Wholemeal Flour: Provides a nutty flavor and a denser, more nutritious crumb compared to white flour.
• Ripe Bananas: The sweeter and mushier, the better for moistness and natural sweetness.
• Dried Fruit Mix: A mix of raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots adds chewiness and flavor contrast.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Optional natural sweetener to enhance flavor without refined sugar.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the bread.
• Greek Yogurt or Applesauce: Adds moisture while keeping the bread tender and moist.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Warm spices that add cozy, subtle flavor notes.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.

Variations for Healthy Banana Bread with Wholemeal Flour and Dried Fruit

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so don’t hesitate to try different variations that suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Adding or swapping ingredients can inspire new flavors every time you bake.

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and extra protein.
• Chocolate Delight: Fold in dark chocolate chips for a little indulgence without losing the health factor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wholemeal flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Swap: Use flax eggs and plant-based yogurt for a vegan-friendly banana bread.
• Spiced Up: Increase cinnamon or add a pinch of cardamom for a more aromatic loaf.

How to Make Healthy Banana Bread with Wholemeal Flour and Dried Fruit

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by mashing your ripe bananas into a smooth consistency and chopping your dried fruit if needed. Preheat your oven and grease a loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Combine the mashed bananas with eggs, yogurt or applesauce, and honey or maple syrup in a large bowl. Stir well to blend all the moist ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together wholemeal flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. This ensures your loaf will rise nicely and develop a uniform flavor.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, folding gently to maintain airiness. Avoid overmixing to ensure your banana bread is tender and soft.

Step 5: Add Dried Fruit

Fold in the dried fruit last to distribute it evenly throughout the batter. This will add delightful bursts of sweetness in every bite.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 7: Cool Before Slicing

Allow the banana bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing to help it set and make the slices neat and firm.

Pro Tips for Making Healthy Banana Bread with Wholemeal Flour and Dried Fruit

• Ripen Your Bananas Properly: The browner the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until ingredients just combine to avoid dense, tough bread.
• Fold in Fruits Gently: Distribute dried fruit carefully so they remain intact and evenly spaced.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to prevent overbaking and keep the bread moist.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

How to Serve Healthy Banana Bread with Wholemeal Flour and Dried Fruit

Garnishes

Top your banana bread slices with a light spread of almond butter or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or seeds can add crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Healthy Banana Bread with Wholemeal Flour and Dried Fruit pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad, a steaming cup of herbal tea, or a dollop of cottage cheese for more protein.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve warm banana bread slices with a drizzle of honey and a dusting of cinnamon to impress guests, or cut into cubes for a fun, bite-sized party snack with nut butter dips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the banana bread in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigerate if your kitchen is warm, but note it may dry out faster.

Freezing

You can freeze sliced banana bread by wrapping each piece tightly in cling film and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a toaster or oven at low heat to bring back softness and warmth. Microwave for a few seconds if you’re in a rush, but avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

FAQs

Can I use regular white flour instead of wholemeal flour?

Yes, you can swap for white flour, but your banana bread will be lighter and less nutrient-dense, losing some of the wholesome benefits that wholemeal flour offers.

What kinds of dried fruit work best?

Raisins, dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or cherries all work wonderfully, offering a balanced sweetness and chewy texture.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

With simple substitutions like flax eggs for regular eggs and plant-based yogurt, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan-friendly.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister your bread will be. Aim for bananas with lots of brown spots or that are fully brown for best results.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Absolutely! Just divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for about 18-22 minutes at the same temperature. Muffins are great for on-the-go snacking.

Final Thoughts

Healthy Banana Bread with Wholemeal Flour and Dried Fruit is a fantastic way to enjoy a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether it’s a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a lovely dessert, this recipe brings wholesome ingredients and delightful flavors together effortlessly. Give it a try, and watch it become your new favorite go-to banana bread recipe!

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