Gut-Lovin’ Berry Banana Bread Loaf: A Real Tummy Treat!

This Gut-Lovin’ Berry Banana Bread is my ultimate go-to recipe, bursting with wholesome goodness and flavour! It's so simple and quick to whip up, and I bet you’ve got all the ingredients waiting for you in your pantry right now.

As a gal who absolutely loves to bake, you can’t go past banana bread. I mean…Is there anything better than the smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your kitchen? I don’t think so!

It’s the perfect addition to breakfast, especially with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of extra berries, or as a tasty snack to keep you energized throughout the day. Plus, you get to use up those very ripe looking bananas that a chilling at the bottom of your fruit basket that you’ve probably forgotten about…Hehe.

Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your new favourite too!

Gut-Lovin’ Berry Banana Bread Loaf

1 cup almond flour

1 cup self-raising flour 

1/2 tsp baking powder

¼ cup LSA mix

2 ripe bananas, mashed (+ 1 extra for the top)

2 eggs 

1/2 cup maple syrup 

1/3 cup coconut oil, melted

1 tsp vanilla essence

1 cup mixed berries, fresh or frozen

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 170°C. Line a loaf tin with baking paper or lightly grease it with some coconut oil to ensure your banana bread doesn’t stick.
2. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, self-raising flour, baking powder, and LSA mix. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well combined.
3. In another bowl, mash your ripe bananas until creamy. Add the eggs, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla essence. Whisk everything together until combined.
4. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until your batter forms.
5. Fold in your mixed berries.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf tin. Slice the extra banana lengthwise and lay it on top of the batter. Top the loaf with a few extra berries too.
7. Transfer to your oven and bake for about 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
8. Allow the Banana Bread to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up and enjoy with your favourite spread or simply on its own.

Why Your Gut Will Love This:

This banana bread isn’t just any ordinary treat. The almond flour and LSA mix provide a fantastic source of fibre, healthy fats, and protein. Bananas are a natural prebiotic, helping to nourish the good bacteria in your gut. Plus, using maple syrup instead of refined sugar keeps things naturally sweet and gut friendly.

I know what you’re thinking…what is LSA?

LSA stands for Linseed, Sunflower, and Almond mix. This powerful trio is a fantastic addition to any recipe, packed with health benefits:

• Linseeds (Flaxseeds): Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, great for heart health.
• Sunflower Seeds: A good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect your cells.
• Almonds: Provide protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals like magnesium.

The Importance of Wholesome Ingredients:

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to reach for convenient, processed foods. However, these often come with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients that can be detrimental to our health and make us feel a little…eh. By choosing wholesome, natural ingredients, we nourish our bodies in the best possible way.

• Almond Flour: Rich in vitamin E and magnesium, offering more protein and healthy fats.
• Bananas: Natural prebiotics that promote better digestion and overall gut health.
• Maple Syrup: Contains antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese, a better choice compared to refined sugar.
• Coconut Oil: Packed with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), providing a quick source of energy.
• Berries: Rich in antioxidants, fibre-rich and a fabulous source of natural sweetness.

By incorporating these ingredients into our diets, we not only enjoy delicious meals but also support our overall health and well-being. This Gut-Lovin’ Berry Banana Bread is a perfect example of how wholesome ingredients can create a delectable treat that your body will thank you for.