Better for You Banana Loaf

Better for You Banana Loaf
This delicious banana loaf is naturally sweetened with dates and packed with nutritious ingredients like chia seeds and spelt flour. Perfect for a wholesome snack or breakfast!

Ingredients:

• 365g (about 3 medium) ripe brown bananas
• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 4 tbsp warm water
• 1.5 cups spelt flour (or stone-ground flour)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ cup milk of your choice (almond, oat, dairy, etc.)

Method:

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Loaf Tin
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a loaf tin with baking paper or grease it lightly with oil.

2. Soak the Dates
   Place the dates in a small bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for about 5 minutes to soften.

3. Prepare the Chia Egg
   In a small bowl, combine the chia seeds and warm water. Stir to combine and set aside for a few minutes to thicken and form a gel-like consistency.

4. Blend the Wet Ingredients
   In a blender, combine the ripe bananas and softened dates. Blend on high for about 30 seconds until smooth and creamy.

5. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a separate large mixing bowl, sift together the spelt flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.

6. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
   Add the blended banana-date mixture, chia mixture, olive oil, and milk to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.

7. Bake the Loaf
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and spread it evenly. Place in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool & Enjoy
   Let the loaf cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!