Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. You want them creamy, with no lumps. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter (or coconut oil), Greek yogurt, eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup (or honey). Mix well until blended.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, combine the whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, fine sea salt, Ceylon cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir until well mixed.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix. Fold in the mashed bananas and chocolate chunks (and walnuts, if using).
Step 6: Pour and Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, then pop it in the oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
- Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better. They enhance sweetness without additional sugar.
- Don't Overmix: Just combine until you see no flour. It keeps the bread light and fluffy.
- Chocolate Choice: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate? The choice is yours. Both are fantastic.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Freezing: This banana bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
