spinal banana bread (oil free, low sugar)

 

is it just the nerdy, healthcare worker in me cheesin', or is this totally a spinal banana bread...?! 😍 didn't mean to make it halloween themed, but hey, since the PSL's are now out for purchase, let's just say this is intentional hehe. 

after dealing with some GI/stomach issues for years that has gotten worse in the past year (IBS girlies unite), i've done some research and found that seed oils are so inflammatory, and even worse, are in almost everything. so baking something a bit healthier with less oil (to save it for the actual cooking) is kinda my jam now. 

this took me less than an hour from start to finish *15 mins prep, 40 mins bake time* which is quite incredible for banana bread because if you've made banana bread before, the time commitment can be quite annoying. especially when you're craving it in the late afternoon/early eve and need a slice before bed. 

ingredients

• 3 medium bananas, or 4 large bananas + additional half for the "spine" topping
• 1/4 cup of coconut sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 1 and 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• desired chocolate chunks
• desired nuts (i used walnuts)

instructions

1. preheat oven to 350F
2. mash the bananas together, set aside the spine half
3. add sugar, vanilla extract, egg, and cinnamon to the mashed bananas; mix thoroughly
4. add dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda); mix gently
5. combine wet + dry ingredients; mix gently
6. fold in chocolate chunks + nuts
7. add into greased loaf tin, and bake for 30-40 min until a toothpick comes out dry or crumbly
8. cool before taking a slice! 

i topped it with extra walnuts, frozen blueberries (i didn't have any fresh left but the frozen ones were surprisingly complimentary to it) and a drizzle of maple syrup. will need to try slicing 2 thinner pieces and added some whipped cream in between...woooow

a perfect bite 😎