Sweeten Your Baking with Mashed Bananas!

When it comes to baking, we all want our creations to be not just delicious but also healthy. Whether it’s cookies, cakes, muffins, or bread, everyone wants to use ingredients that add nutritional value without compromising the taste. One such ingredient that can add both flavor and nutrition to your baked goods is mashed bananas.

Bananas are not only a convenient snack but also an excellent source of nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. When you mash them, bananas make for a great natural sweetener and a healthier alternative to traditional sweeteners such as sugar, honey, and corn syrup. In fact, using mashed bananas in your baking can not only reduce the amount of added sugar but also add fiber, moisture, and flavor to your baked goods.

If you’re wondering how to incorporate mashed bananas in your baking, here are some ideas and recipes to help you sweeten your baking naturally.

1. Banana Bread

Banana bread is a classic recipe that everyone loves. It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas and make a delicious treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, snack, or dessert. The best part is that you can make it healthier by using mashed bananas instead of sugar.

To make banana bread, you will need:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped nuts, if using.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Cookies are a popular snack that everyone loves. But traditional cookies are usually loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats, which can make them a guilty pleasure. However, by using mashed bananas in your cookie recipe, you can create a healthier version that still tastes great.

To make banana oatmeal cookies, you will need:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rolled oats, almond flour, coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Stir in the raisins, if using.
4. Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Flatten the balls with a fork or your palm until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
7. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Muffins are a great breakfast or snack option that can be made in different flavors and sizes. However, most muffins are high in sugar and fat, which can make them unhealthy. By using mashed bananas in your muffin recipe, you can create a moist and sweet version that is also low in sugar and high in fiber.

To make banana chocolate chip muffins, you will need:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the mashed bananas, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the muffins in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Banana Pancakes

Pancakes are a classic breakfast option that can be enjoyed anytime. However, traditional pancakes are usually made with white flour and sugar, which can make them a less healthy option. By using mashed bananas in your pancake recipe, you can create a nutritious and delicious version that is also gluten-free.

To make banana pancakes, you will need:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• Coconut oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk the mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
2. In another bowl, whisk the coconut flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. Gradually add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, whisking until there are no lumps.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little coconut oil.