Delicious Whole Grain Kefir Banana Bread Recipe
As I sit here typing this, I can’t help but think about the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting up from my kitchen. It’s like an irresistible invitation to come and indulge in a slice (or two) of warm, moist and flavorful goodness.
I’ve always associated the sweet and comforting scent of banana bread with home and family. And it’s no wonder why. This classic dessert bread is loved by everyone, from kids to adults, for its simplicity and versatility.
But what if I told you that you could enjoy this beloved treat in a healthier way? Yes, that’s right. You can have your banana bread and eat it too, guilt-free!
This Whole Grain Kefir Banana Bread Recipe is exactly what you need to indulge in a decadent loaf of banana bread while still taking care of your health. Made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and milk kefir, this recipe packs a punch of fiber, protein and essential nutrients.
But don’t let the healthy label discourage you. This bread is still just as delicious, if not more so, than any traditional version out there. Filled with ripe bananas, walnuts and chocolate chips (if you want!), it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory.
So whether you’re looking for a satisfying breakfast option or a comforting snack to satisfy those afternoon cravings, this Whole Grain Kefir Banana Bread Recipe is sure to be your new go-to. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, friends – I’m about to share a recipe with you that will change the way you think about banana bread forever. This Whole Grain Kefir Banana Bread Recipe is a game-changer. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back to boring old regular banana bread again.
What’s so great about it? Well, for starters, this recipe is packed full of wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and kefir. You won’t find any refined flours or sugars here – this bread is all about the good stuff. And don’t worry, just because it’s healthy doesn’t mean it tastes like cardboard. In fact, you’ll be amazed at how delicious this bread is.
But let’s talk specifics. Firstly, the addition of kefir to this banana bread recipe gives it a tangy flavor and moist texture that is truly unmatched. Plus, kefir is loaded with probiotics which are great for gut health. Win-win!
Secondly, the combination of allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon give this bread a warm and cozy flavor that screams fall baking. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, toss in some chocolate chips or walnuts for a crunchy twist.
But perhaps my favorite thing about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily make substitutions and variations to suit your tastes – swap out the walnuts for pecans or add in some dried fruit for an extra burst of sweetness. Or if you’re feeling experimental, try adding in some blueberry kefir for a fun twist on traditional banana bread.
So there you have it, folks – my ultimate spiel on why you need to try this Whole Grain Kefir Banana Bread Recipe ASAP. Trust me when I say that once you’ve tasted it, you’ll see why it’s such a crowd-pleaser. So what are you waiting for? Get baking!
Ingredient List
Bananas, walnuts, and chocolate chips are the stars of this Whole Grain Kefir Banana Bread recipe. In addition to these delicious add-ins, you’ll need baking essentials such as allspice, nutmeg, ground cinnamon, sea salt, baking soda, and baking powder. The dry ingredients include rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and all-purpose flour. You’ll want to make sure you have 3 ripe bananas and a 2/3 cup of kefir to make this banana bread recipe. Other ingredients include organic butter, organic sugar, maple syrup, and spelt or einkorn flour if you want to experiment with different types of flours. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of kefir for a less tart flavor profile.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get baking this mouth-watering Whole Grain Kefir Banana Bread!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a loaf pan with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 3 cups of fine oat flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, and a generous pinch each of allspice, nutmeg, and ground cinnamon.
Step 3: Mash Bananas
In another mixing bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas until pureed using a fork. Add in 2 eggs and continue mashing until combined.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/2 cup of plain kefir, 1 cup of organic milk kefir, and 1/2 cup of olive oil. Whisk until the ingredients are fully combined.
Step 5: Combine the mixtures
Next, fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients but do not overmix it. You’d still be able to observe some streaks in your batter until you bake.
Next, add in some good stuff such as 1/2 a cup of walnuts and about a handful or two of dark chocolate chips. Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Bake Time!
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to level it out evenly. Sprinkle some more chocolate chips and walnuts on top if desired.
Bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes. After which use a toothpick or knife to make sure it comes out clean after insertion into the center of your bread.
Cool in the loaf pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving on your plate!
Enjoy your deliciously healthy Whole Grain Kefir Banana Bread with family and friends!
Substitutions and Variations
Hey there, fellow bakers! Now that you’ve got the hang of making this delicious Whole Grain Kefir Banana Bread, let’s talk about some substitutions and variations you can try out. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to create something truly special.
Firstly, for a nut-free option, you can omit the walnuts or replace them with roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. Or if you prefer more crunch, go for chopped pecans or almond slices.
For chocolate lovers out there, add in some chocolate chips to your batter. It will make this healthy banana bread taste less like whole grain and more like a decadent dessert without all of the calories.
If you don’t have cinnamon or nutmeg on hand, you can use pumpkin pie spice, which is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Adjust spice levels according to your own preference.
For those who are gluten-free or simply want a change in taste, feel free to switch up some of the flour ratios with oat flour, spelt flour or even wheat einkorn flour. Einkorn flour is an ancient grain whole wheat that packs more nutrients and has been said to be easier for digestion than modern-day wheat.
Instead of kefir or greek yogurt in your banana bread recipe, plain soy or almond milk can be used as a substitute. For a vegan option, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp. ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp. water per egg).
Lastly, if you’re feeling experimental with mixing things up, add blueberries instead of mashed bananas for a Blueberry Kefir Bread recipe that is just as delicious as the original Kefir Banana Bread!
Overall, substitutions and variations are what make baking so much fun. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and textures to create your unique version of healthy banana bread that everyone will love.
Serving and Pairing
You’ve baked a delicious loaf of Whole Grain Kefir Banana Bread, and now you’re ready to serve it up. But how do you make the most of this scrumptious treat?
Firstly, let me tell you, the aroma of the freshly-baked banana bread is certain to fill your home with an inviting warmth that will tempt everyone who walks through your doors. The decadent scent lingers for long and adds drooling magic in seconds.
When it comes to serving this delightful bread, I recommend slicing it into thick slices while it’s still warm. Spread some butter that melts gently over the slices and sinks deep into them, creating a perfect blend of creamy indulgence with wholesome goodness. If you’re feeling indulgent, drench some warm chocolate sauce over the slices for an added adventurous twist or sprinkle a small handful of walnuts on top for added texture and flavor.
The beauty of this recipe is that it goes well at any time of day, whether you want it as a sweet start to your morning routine, an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee, or even a dessert after dinner. The whole grains in the bread provide ample nutrients to keep its eater full and happy for longer periods.
If you’re looking to pair the banana bread with something, I highly recommend a tall glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea which nicely balances out the flavors. You could even combine it with fruity flavors like blueberry kefir smoothie or complement savory meal dishes. It is the perfect accompaniment for picnics, potlucks, and parties too.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative! Cut thin slices and use them as base pieces for a cheese platter or food charcuterie board or pile up crumbled banana muffins over breakfast parfait and add some fresh fruits for sweetness. There are so many possibilities – this versatile bread can shine in a variety of settings with its unique combination of flavors and textures.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Baking a perfect loaf of Whole Grain Kefir Banana Bread requires a great deal of effort and attention to detail, so it is only natural that you may want to make it ahead of time or store leftovers for later. But before you do so, here are some important storing guidelines and reheating tips that you must follow to ensure the best quality of your bread.
To make this banana bread recipe ahead of time, let the bread cool completely after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or put it in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in or out. Doing so helps to preserve the moisture and freshness of your loaf, making it last up to five days at room temperature, or up to a week in the refrigerator.
To reheat this healthy banana bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and slice the desired amount of bread into even portions. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-8 minutes until warm all throughout. For individual slices, heat them in a toaster oven or microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
Additionally, you can store some variations of this recipe like Banana Nut Bread and Chocolate Chip Banana Bread as banana muffins. To do so, pour the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper cups or lightly greased with butter. Bake them for 20-25 minutes instead of 50-60 minutes until they are golden brown on top and springy when you touch them.
It’s worth noting that while reheating is always an option when it comes to stored bread, the texture and flavor might not be as good as when the bread is freshly baked. However, following these guidelines will help enhance both storage duration and flavor retention.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a baker, I have baked my fair share of banana breads, and I have learned some helpful tips along the way for creating a successful Whole Grain Kefir Banana Bread Recipe. Here are my top tips to ensure perfect results:
1. Use Ripe Bananas
The key to a flavorful and moist banana bread is using very ripe bananas with brown spots on their skins. These bananas are sweeter and softer, making them easier to mash.
2. Mix the Ingredients Well
Make sure to mix all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough bread, while undermixing can cause uneven baking.
3. Don’t Overbake
To make sure your bread comes out perfectly moist, do not overbake it. Check your bread about 5-10 minutes before the recipe suggests it should be done by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean with no batter residue, then your bread is ready.
4. Adjust the Sweetness
If you prefer your baked goods less sweet, use fewer sugar or substitute with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. You can also add in extra nuts or fruits like blueberries instead of sugar-loaded chocolate chips.
5. Use Fine Oat Flour
This recipe calls for rolled oats that are blended into a fine powder as a substitute for all-purpose flour or wheat pastry flour to create a healthier option that is gluten-free-friendly. Make sure that your oat flour has been finely ground so that it incorporates well into the batter.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have delicious whole grain kefir banana bread every time you bake it!
Bottom Line
I hope that this Whole Grain Kefir Banana Bread recipe has inspired you to experiment with healthier versions of classic recipes. By incorporating whole grains, nutritious ingredients, and the probiotic benefits of kefir, this Banana Bread proves that you can have your cake and eat it too!
What are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and indulge in a slice of guilt-free deliciousness. Trust me, your taste buds and body will thank you. Happy baking!
Whole Grain Kefir Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 2/3 cup fine oat flour
- 1/3 cup regular rolled oats
- 2 teaspoons all-natural baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips, try Dark Chocolate Chips for richer flavor
- 1/2 cup pure unbleached cane sugar, feel free to try Honey and Molasses
- 1/3-1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2/3 cup kefir, preferably homemade
- 3 very ripe bananas
Instructions
- Combine all dry ingredients together, along with chopped nuts and chocolate chips. Begin preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This recipe is quick to make, so make sure that the oven is almost ready when you begin to add wet ingredients.
- If you bananas are too ripe to be eaten, great! They will make your bread great. Crush bananas into a creamy mass and begin stirring the mass into dry ingredients. Mix well, so that the consistency of the mixture is quite uniform.
- Once the oven is ready, add Kefir to the mixture and again stir well to combine. You may need to use a little less or more, depending on the amount of liquid your bananas produce. Baking soda will begin to react with the acid in Kefir right away, so work fast.
- Transfer the mix into a greased baking pan, a silicone mold, or a non-stick baking pan. For looks toss some rolled oats on top of the bread once it is leveled in the pan.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake on the middle rack for about 50 to 55 minutes. Test it with a toothpick towards the end of cooking. Let it cool, cut and enjoy.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.