Recipe–Easy Banana Bread!

Recipe--Easy+Banana+Bread%21

Lila Caminiti, Junior, Clubs Editor

     With most of the nation in isolation, there’s a definite shortage of activities to occupy our time. Baking is an easy way to get your mind off of things, and with healthier dessert options, you can enjoy your sweet snack even more! This chocolate chip banana bread uses greek yogurt, making it a healthy and fiber filled snack. And as a convenient plus, most of the items are probably already in your pantry! This irresistible, delicious dessert is right at the crossroads of healthy and sweet, and will make more than enough for you and your family.

Ingredients

  •  1 1/2 cups mashed overripe bananas — about 3 large
  •  1 large egg
  •  1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt 
  •  2 tablespoons canola oil
  •  1/3 cup light brown sugar
  •  1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  •  1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  •  1 teaspoon baking soda
  •  1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
  •  1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  •  1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour
  •  3/4  semisweet chocolate chips — or chopped dark chocolate

 

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8×4 in. pan and set aside.
  • Mash the bananas until they are mostly smooth, and whisk in the egg, yogurt and oil. Next, mix in the brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Sprinkle the baking soda, cinnamon and salt over the top, then whisk until the mixture is uniform. Gently stir in the flour, making sure not to over mix, and then fold in the chocolate chips. 
  • Transfer the mixture into your greased loaf pan, and bake for 50-60 minutes (or until a toothpick comes out clean). At the 35-minute mark, check on your bread – if the sides are notably dark but the middle still has a long way to go, tent the loaf with foil. This will allow the rest of the loaf to bake evenly. 
  • When the bread is done, shift the loaf onto a cooling rack, allowing it to cool down for a few minutes – this will make for neater slices. After 15 minutes of cooling, slice the loaf and dig in!