Dense and Fruity Banana Bread Recipe

Name: Dense and Fruity Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Oil for the pan; 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/3 cup natural granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; Pinch of ground nutmeg; 2 medium very ripe bananas, well mashed; 1/2 cup applesauce or apple butter; 2 tablespoons safflower oil; 1/3 cup rice milk or soymilk, or as needed; 3/4 cup finely chopped dates or dried apricots; 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts, optional

Servings: persons

Oil for the pan
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup natural granulated sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch of ground nutmeg
2 medium very ripe bananas, well mashed
1/2 cup applesauce or apple butter
2 tablespoons safflower oil
1/3 cup rice milk or soymilk, or as needed
3/4 cup finely chopped dates or dried apricots
1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts, optional

1
Preheat the oven to 350F.
2
Lightly oil a 9 by 5 by 3-inch loaf pan.
3
Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, cocoa, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl and stir together.
4
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the bananas, applesauce, oil, and enough rice milk to make a smooth, slightly stiff batter.
5
Stir until thoroughly mixed, then stir in the dates and optional walnuts.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
7
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is firm and a knife inserted into the center tests clean.
8
When cool enough to handle, carefully remove the bread from the pan, place it on a rack or platter, and allow it to cool until just warm before slicing.
9
Calories: 145
10
Total Fat: 3g
11
Protein: 4g
12
Carbohydrates: 30g
13
Fiber: 3g
14
Sodium: 0mg

735

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Oil for the pan, 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and more.

Yes, Dense and Fruity Banana Bread falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Dense and Fruity Banana Bread

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions