Try Auntie J’s Delectable Banana Spice Bread

If you love bananas and absolutely relish a tasty dessert this Banana Spice Bread will definitely hit the right spot.

First, here’s a Health Nugget: Did you know that banana is a great mood builder and antidepressant? In fact, banana is thought to be the only fruit that contains the amino acid tryptophan plus vitamin B-6, which together help the body produce serotonin, the natural chemical which alleviates mental depression.

Banana is naturally sweet and one of nature’s most healthy fruits. This allows us to reduce the amount of sugar in our food recipes. Coupled with pecans or walnut, we have a filling treat that is just as good for us as it tastes. My first choice of nut is walnut because I have branded it the “brain nut.” Not only does it have some semblance to the brain but its nutrients are good for brain health.  If you choose to use pecan, then embrace its nutrients for your skin and hair, among other things.  I will discuss additional health benefits of these nuts in other articles.  You may also substitute all-purpose flour with rye flour, rice flour or arrowroot flour for a richer gluten-free dessert. Try agave or some other sweeteners, and also egg replacement as healthier substitutes. This is my very own recipes and family favorite.  Enjoy!

Banana Spice Bread Recipe

Yield:  10 Servings

Prep Time:  10 Minutes

Bake Time: 35 Minutes

Cake Ingredients

2 ¼ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (I use King Arthur’s brand)
1 ¼ cups brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2½ teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ cups well mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon 100% pure vanilla extract
¼ cup pecan or walnuts (chopped)

Preparation Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375° F
2. Prepare 13 x 9-inch baking pan  or 3 small bread loaf pans (first grease then flour, shaking out excess flour from the pan)
3. Measure and mix the cake batter in the order above until well mixed.
4. Pour batter in pan/pans
5. Bake for 25 minutes or until well done (toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean)
6. Allow cake to cool in baking pan and then turn out on a platter
7. Serve and Enjoy!