Healthy Banana Nut Bread

A Month of Thanks... and Food!

This month, November 2019, marks almost 2 years since Nourish with Renata was born!

Can you believe it?!

It has been totally amazing to think back on the incredible opportunities that I have been able to accomplish due to this blog and, more importantly, because of all your support.

That's why I am dedicating this month to all the recipes that you requested!

On my Instagram, I asked what recipes would you like me to "healthify". And you guys came up with some awesome ideas!

So each week, I will be featuring one of these requested recipes and writing a little about the person that suggested the recipe.

This week, it is Banana Nut Bread, requested by my friend, Sabrina.

A Classic Combo

When Sabrina suggested that I make a healthier version of Banana Nut Bread, I jumped at the chance!

I love that classic combination of banana bread and nuts. I think it goes together so perfectly! And to make it even more perfect, I added one of my fave ingredients, stevia sweetened chocolate chips!

But how do I make Banana Bread healthier?

My first step was looking at the type of flour used. Usually Banana Bread uses all purpose flour and white sugar. These ingredients can be great if that is all you have on hand, but I wanted to kick up the nutritional value a notch so you get even more nourishment from this recipe.

I opted to use almond flour, which is higher in protein and healthy fats than traditional all purpose flour. Generally speaking, most breads are pretty low in protein, and protein is so helpful to making you feel full! Otherwise, you end up eating way more bread than you want to because you're just chasing that full feeling.

Secondly, I swapped out the white sugar with monkfruit sweetener. You've probably seen me use this sweetener in other recipes like this one and this one, and that is because monkfruit sweetener is one of my faves! I love the fact that monkfruit sweetener can help to regulate blood sugar, as well as being calorie free and not having a bitter aftertaste that some people find when using stevia. This is especially important to me because I have family members that have diabetes, and I want to make sure that they can still enjoy some sweets, just with a little healthier twist.

Similarly, in the recipe below, I have an optional ingredient of stevia sweetened chocolate chips. My fave brand is Lily's, which you can purchase from most grocery stores, and on Amazon.

***Please note that this an affiliate link and I may receive a small compensation if you choose to purchase through this link, at no cost to you. Thank you in advance!***

A Gift for Friends and Family

This Banana Nut Bread turned outs so great that I have considered hiding it so that my kids don't find it! LOL! Jk! (or am I.... 😜)

But seriously, I loved making this recipe and sharing it with the one who requested it, my friend, Sabrina. I'm happy to say that Sabrina loved it too!

This Banana Nut Bread would be a great hostess gift, especially with all the holiday gatherings coming up. It is super easy and quick to make, and you could easily wrap it in some pretty cellophane for a gift. You could even cool it, slice it then freeze it, for a quick breakfast or meal. These kinds of make ahead meals are perfect for the busy end-of-year season.

Thank you, Sabrina

An extra special thank you to Sabrina for suggesting this recipe!

Sabrina is one of the most selfless and giving people that I know. She is always here for myself and my family at a moment's notice, and I am so thankful that our kids play together so well that we can just sit on the couch and relax... even if it's only for 5 minutes!

But seriously, I am so thankful to have such an amazing friend like you, Sabrina.

Ok guys, as always, if you make this delish Banana Nut Bread, make sure you take a photo and post it on social media, tagging me at nourish_with_renata on IG or Facebook. I'd love to see what you make!

Healthy Banana Nut Bread

A quick and easy banana bread that has been amped up with even more goodness like extra protein and healthy fats! Inspired by The Big Man's World

• 2 cups blanched almond flour
• 2 tbsp monkfruit sweetener
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 large overripe bananas, (mashed)
• 2 eggs, (lightly beaten)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, (melted and cooled)
• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/8 cup chocolate chips, (such as Lily's Stevia Sweetened Chocolate Chips)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 deg F.

2. Lightly grease a loaf pan with non stick spray.

3. In a large bowl, add the almond flour, monkfruit sweetener, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Whisk together till well combined.

4. Add in the chocolate chips and pecans, if using, and mix together.

5. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, eggs, coconut oil and vanilla extract.

6. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and gently mix together till just combined.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and gently smooth the top.

8. Bake the banana bread on the center rack of a preheated oven, approximately 40 mins, or until banana bread is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out with with a few small crumbs attached.

9. Allow the bread to cool for approx. 10 mins then turn out to a cutting board.

10. Cut into 8 slices and serve warm, with a little butter, if desired.