The combination of creamy tahini and ripe bananas creates a rich and moist texture in this twist on classic banana bread. With just the right hint of sweetness from maple syrup, this treat offers a satisfying balance of flavors and nutrients.
This Tahini Banana Bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Its hearty texture and nutty flavor from the tahini make it a unique and healthy alternative to traditional banana bread. Enjoy it on its own, or spread a little peanut butter or almond butter on top for an extra layer of goodness!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/2 cup tahini
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1/4 cup maple syrup
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2 eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
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Add tahini, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas, and stir until combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
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If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 240 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
The Benefits of Adding Tahini to Banana Bread
Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, is an ingredient commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s packed with nutritional benefits, making it a fantastic addition to your banana bread. Tahini is a good source of healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which promote heart health. Additionally, it’s rich in minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus, all of which are essential for maintaining strong bones and a healthy immune system.
Adding tahini to banana bread not only enhances the flavor but also increases the bread’s nutritional profile. The nutty, slightly earthy flavor of tahini complements the sweetness of bananas, creating a unique taste experience. Tahini also helps to keep the bread moist, giving it a rich, dense texture that sets it apart from more traditional banana bread recipes.
Why Whole Wheat Flour Works Best
While traditional banana bread recipes often call for all-purpose flour, using whole wheat flour in this recipe offers additional health benefits. Whole wheat flour is made from the entire grain, including the bran, germ, and endosperm, which means it retains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than refined flour. This makes it a much healthier option, providing more sustained energy and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
The fiber content in whole wheat flour also aids in digestion, promotes a healthy gut, and contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight management. Whole wheat flour also has a slightly nutty flavor that complements the tahini and bananas, making it the perfect base for this recipe.
Maple Syrup: A Natural Sweetener
Instead of using refined sugar, this recipe calls for maple syrup as a natural sweetener. Maple syrup is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals in the body. It also contains essential minerals such as manganese, zinc, and calcium, which are beneficial for overall health.
Maple syrup provides a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the earthiness of tahini and the natural sweetness of bananas. Since maple syrup has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, it has a less dramatic effect on blood sugar levels, making it a better option for those looking to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.
Bananas: The Heart of the Recipe
Bananas are the star ingredient in any banana bread recipe, and they play a crucial role in this tahini banana bread as well. Not only do bananas add natural sweetness, but they also contribute moisture to the bread, keeping it tender and soft. Bananas are also rich in potassium, a mineral that is vital for maintaining proper heart and muscle function.
In addition to potassium, bananas are a great source of vitamin B6, which is important for brain health and mood regulation. They also contain vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps with the absorption of iron from plant-based sources. Using ripe bananas ensures the bread is sweet and moist, as the sugars in the fruit become more concentrated as the bananas ripen.
The Importance of Eggs in Baking
Eggs are another key ingredient in this recipe. In baking, eggs serve several important functions, such as providing structure, moisture, and richness. They help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the overall texture of the bread. The proteins in eggs also help the bread rise, giving it a light, fluffy texture despite the dense nature of tahini and whole wheat flour.
Eggs are also a source of high-quality protein, and they contain important vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate. If you’re following a vegan diet, you can easily substitute eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs, both of which work well in this recipe without sacrificing flavor or texture.
The Role of Walnuts (Optional but Highly Recommended)
While walnuts are an optional ingredient in this recipe, they add an extra layer of flavor and texture that complements the tahini and banana combination beautifully. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health and reducing inflammation in the body. They also contain antioxidants, which can help protect the body against oxidative stress.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, walnuts provide a crunchy contrast to the soft, moist texture of the banana bread, adding a delightful bite to each slice. If you don’t have walnuts on hand, you can substitute them with other nuts like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts, or you can omit them entirely if you prefer a smoother texture.
A Healthier Alternative to Traditional Banana Bread
One of the main reasons people love banana bread is its versatility and ability to be easily customized. This tahini banana bread is no exception. It offers a healthier alternative to traditional banana bread by incorporating whole wheat flour, tahini, and maple syrup, all of which add nutritional value without compromising on flavor.
While banana bread is often considered a treat, this recipe is more than just a sweet snack. The combination of healthy fats from tahini and walnuts, fiber from whole wheat flour, and natural sugars from bananas and maple syrup makes this banana bread a more wholesome option for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert.
The Perfect Pairing
Tahini banana bread is delicious on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate the experience, try pairing it with your favorite toppings. A dollop of almond butter or peanut butter adds an extra layer of richness and flavor, while fresh berries can provide a burst of freshness and a touch of sweetness. For a decadent treat, you can drizzle the bread with a little extra maple syrup or sprinkle some chocolate chips on top before baking.
The possibilities are endless, and the combination of flavors will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Whether you enjoy your tahini banana bread warm out of the oven or toasted with a spread, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Conclusion: A Delicious, Nutritious Treat for Any Time of Day
Tahini banana bread is a delicious, nutritious twist on a classic favorite. By incorporating tahini, whole wheat flour, and maple syrup, this recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional banana bread without sacrificing flavor. The rich, nutty taste of tahini pairs perfectly with the sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a moist, satisfying loaf that everyone will love.
Whether you’re looking for a healthier breakfast option, an afternoon snack, or a delicious dessert, this tahini banana bread is the perfect choice. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and full of flavor. So, the next time you’re in the mood for banana bread, give this recipe a try – your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!