Gingerbread Banana Loaf

With Christmas just around the corner, I can't help but start thinking of Christmas recipes! I am always on the lookout for quick, easy recipes that taste great, and sometimes, that means creating my own! I'm quite proud to say that this one came out wonderful after the first try! 

If you love a spicy gingerbread flavour, then this loaf is for you! It only takes 10 minutes to whip up, and the texture was perfection! I highly recommend measuring the bananas, and if you can, waiting until they're nice and ripe! Don't forget to top with our delicious Vegan Vanilla Coconut Glaze that we're also sharing below! Let us know if you make it, and as always, enjoy!

🖤 Gingerbread Banana Loaf 🖤

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 Cup mashed ripe banana
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 Cup almond milk
• 1/4 Cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 Cup date paste *(see below for recipe)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp fine sea salt
• 2 C whole wheat flour

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Whisk the first 6 ingredients together in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, stir together the dry ingredients. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just thoroughly combined.
3. Bake for 30 minutes, and then, without opening your oven even to peek, turn off the heat and let your loaf sit in the warm oven for 10 more minutes. Remove, and let cool completely before slicing. Enjoy! Refrigerate for 2-3 days or freeze for up to a month!

*Date Paste:

1. Remove pits, and chop up about 20 dates. At the same time, boil some water in a kettle.
2. Place dates in a shallow dish or pot, and pour boiling water on top, covering by about an inch or two.
3. Let sit for at least 10 minutes and blend! Be sure to cover your blender lid with a dish towel to protect yourself from any steam. Use as much as you need for the recipe, and store the rest in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to a week. Use as liquid sugar substitutes throughout your week, or on top of oatmeal, or even spread on toast!

Keep reading ;)

Vegan Vanilla Coconut Glaze (optional)

Ingredients:

• 1/8 Cup melted coconut oil
• 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients well. Let cool slightly, before pouring over your completely cooled loaf.

That's all folks! Enjoy and we hope this helps get you in the Christmas Spirit!