Nutty Almond Banana Bread

Those spotted, over-ripe bananas have been staring at you from your counter for days. It’s time to bake some Almond Banana Bread! The chopped walnuts give this bread a little crunch, and if you’re feeling really bold, throw in some chocolate chips. Your kids will thank you!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cup whole-wheat flour
• 1 ½ cup white flour
• 1 ½ tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. baking powder
• 4 eggs
• ½ cup melted coconut oil
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp. almond extract
• 4 overripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup chopped walnuts and/or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 muffin pans or 2 [9 x 5] bread pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the whole-wheat flour, white flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder.
3. Create a hole in the middle of the dry ingredients and add the eggs, melted coconut oil, applesauce, maple syrup and almond extract. Mix gently until just combined. Don’t overmix!
4. In another bowl, mash the bananas with a potato masher or large fork. Add the bananas, walnuts and chocolate chips (if desired) to the batter and gently fold them in until mixed.
5. Distribute evenly into the muffin pans or bread pans.
6. Cook until golden brown, or until a knife or toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
7. For muffins: Cook about 15 minutes
8. For bread: Cook for 20 minutes and then cover with foil and cook for another 35 minutes.