Moist Banana Bread (No Added Sugar)

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas (spotted with brown/black)
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 large egg (or substitute with 1/4 cup applesauce)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups whole grain flour or almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• a pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with coconut oil.

2. 2

   Peel the bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash them until they reach a liquid-like consistency with very few lumps.

3. 3

   Add the melted (but not hot) coconut oil to the banana mash and stir well. Then whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform.

4. 4

   Sprinkle the baking soda, cinnamon, and salt directly over the wet mixture and stir it in. This ensures even distribution without needing a third bowl.

5. 5

   Gently fold in the flour using a spatula. Do not overmix; stop as soon as you see no more dry flour streaks to keep the bread light and moist.

6. 6

   If using walnuts, fold them in now with two or three gentle turns of the spatula.

7. 7

   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with your spatula.

8. 8

   Bake for 50–60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

9. 9

   Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Cooling completely before slicing is essential for the best texture.