Wholemeal Oat Banana Bread

If the thought of a warm slice of banana bread and a cup of tea doesn't summon saliva to your mouth or make your stomach dance with desire, then you should probably get that checked out. :P

Banana bread is a much-loved tea time treat, and is often viewed as a healthy opinion (eh, it's got fruit in it like, so obviously it's not bad for you? Obviously.). This can be the case, but some recipes do contain a lot of sugar and butter - so this is my version of a healthier banana bread, which is sugar and butter-free. If you want to make it vegan, omit the egg and reduce the flour to one cup, and substitute the honey for agave syrup. 
It won't rise as much as a regular loaf of banana bread, but it's got a really nice texture due to the oats and dessicated coconut (which I am currently having trouble leaving out of any recipe I make. Scones? Chuck it in. Cookies? Chuck it in. Thai curry? Sprinkle a bit on top. Shepherd's pie? Must..not..reach for coconut...)

So quit monkeying about, and whip up a loaf of this pure joy :)

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup flour - I use wholemeal or spelt
1 cup oats
1 heaped tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup dessicated coconut
2 tsp cinnamon
1 egg
1/3 cup honey (or agave)
3 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 ripe bananas, mashed
Pumpkin or sunflower seeds to sprinkle on top
Optional - walnuts, dark chocolate chips, raisins


Method

1. Line a loaf tin with baking paper. Preheat your oven to 150 degree C. 

2. Place flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, dessicated coconut and cinnamon into a large mixing bowl and mix together.

3. Place the coconut oil in a bowl with the honey and vanilla extract and melt in the microwave on a low heat, stirring regularly.

4. Add this, along with the mashed bananas and egg, to the dry ingredients and stir together until fully combined. If using any of the optional ingredients, stir them in once the mix is combined.

5. Pour into your loaf tin. Smooth the top with the back of a tablespoon and sprinkle some your seeds on top, pressing them in lightly to make sure they stick.

6. Bake for 50-55 mins or until a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean.

7. Enjoy! :) This tastes delicious with almond butter on top, or serve with some yogurt and berries as a healthy after-dinner treat. If you are worried about it going stale, slice half the loaf and freeze it. You can just take slices out as you want them and pop them in the toaster!