If you follow me on instagram (samarajosephine) you would know that I rarely bake and mostly eat smoothie bowls for breakfast and really easy plant based savoury meals for lunch and dinner. I have to admit though... between my smoothies and stir fries I am guilty of some baking' makin'. Hey a little banana bread never hurt anyone right? Especially if it's smothered in berries and has a hint of almond swirled in there?
I never expected this to turn out so well considering I made the recipe on my first try (in 2014) and I was just throwing things in there until it looked about right. And it was so right! My mum could not believe that this was vegan and on the healthier side too. Well that's enough of my ramble. LET'S GET TO IT!
Ingredients:
2 Cups Wholemeal self-raising flour ( Feel free to use a healthier option! I just like my loaf fluffy and the mixture just blends so perfectly)
1 teaspoon vegan baking powder
Pinch of Himalayan rock salt (optional)
1 cup organic coconut sugar (I used loving earth's which you can get at most health food stores and pharmacies)
1/4 cup organic coconut oil (melted)
3 very ripe bananas (mashed real good)
Drop of almond essence
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup almond milk
1/4 cup of almonds crushed - optional
1/2 cup of mixed frozen or fresh berries
Method:
1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees celsius and get a tray ready for baking
2. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
3. Whisk together the coconut oil, almond essence and sugar in a separate bowl.
4. Mix the almond milk, apple cider vinegar and banana into the sugar/oil mixture then add the flour mix and crushed almonds.
5. When everything is completely combined pour into the baking tray and bake for 20 minutes or until half baked.
6. Top with berries and bake until golden and fluffy, use a bake tester to make sure it's cooked the whole way through.
7. Serve warm on it's own or with some vegan 'cream cheese'
If you recreate this recipe make sure you tag me on instagram and leave a comment below on how it turned out!
Love Samara xx