StarBucks Banana Walnut Loaf

Banana walnut loaf

Clean Banana Walnut loaf Recipe (Starbucks Inspired)

Banana Walnut loaf is one of those comfort foods that everyone loves, and Starbucks' banana walnut cake is a popular choice for those who enjoy a moist, sweet treat with a bit of crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier version, I’ve got you covered! This clean banana walnut cake recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients and is naturally sweetened—perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but want to keep things clean and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better for sweetness)

• 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan version)

• 1/3 cup coconut oil (melted; you can also use avocado oil)

• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey if preferred)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)

• 1/2 cup walnut halves (chopped)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)

• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)

• 1 tbsp. lemon juice (to activate the baking soda)

• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for a little indulgence)

Prep:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with coconut oil.

2. Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher. You want them to be as smooth as possible, but a little texture is perfectly fine. The bananas should yield about 1 1/2 cups of mashed fruit.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs (or flax eggs if vegan), melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond milk. Stir in the lemon juice to help activate the baking soda and give the cake a light texture.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   • In another bowl, combine the almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

5. Mix Everything Together:

   • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. Stir in the mashed bananas until just combined. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky.

6. Add Walnuts and Chocolate Chips:

   • Fold in the chopped walnuts and optional chocolate chips (if using). These add crunch and a little extra richness to the cake.

Procedure:

1. Pour into Pan: Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.

2. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few crumbs are fine, but it shouldn't be wet). If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil towards the end of baking.

3. Cool and Serve: Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help it firm up and make it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions:

This banana walnut cake can be enjoyed as a quick breakfast, snack, or even as a dessert. Serve it on its own, or spread some almond butter or nut butter for an extra creamy bite. If you want a lighter touch, top it with a drizzle of raw honey or a dusting of powdered cinnamon.

Why This Recipe Is Healthier:

• Ripe Bananas: Bananas are naturally sweet, so there's no need for refined sugars in this cake. Plus, they provide potassium, fiber, and vitamins.

• Almond Flour: This low-carb, high-protein flour makes the cake moist and gives it a slightly nutty flavor while also keeping it gluten-free.

• Coconut Oil: Instead of butter, coconut oil is used to give the cake richness and healthy fats.

• Maple Syrup: A more natural sweetener compared to white sugar, maple syrup also contains antioxidants and minerals.

• Walnuts: Packed with healthy omega-3 fats and protein, walnuts add not only texture but also nutritional value.

Tips for Success:

• Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Don’t be afraid to use bananas that are almost too ripe!

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or freeze it for longer storage. Just slice the cake into individual pieces and freeze for a quick snack later.

• Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, simply swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2 tbsp water per egg) and choose a plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk.

  
  

This clean banana walnut cake is a delicious, healthy alternative to the Starbucks classic. By using whole ingredients and natural sweeteners, you can indulge in this treat without the guilt. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing with friends, this cake is sure to impress!