5 Simple Ways To Switch Up Your Banana Bread

Been seeing a lot of baking snaps from your friends on socials a lot more lately? Well, that doesn't come off as a surprise at all — baking has long been a way for people to work through stress. And with the uncertain times we're living in now, the number of people taking on the hobby is sure to rise as if activated with instant yeast. The mindfulness of baking is calming, helping you "[pay] attention to yourself [at] the moment and not being in the past or the future, but really being there,” says Columbia University psychiatry professor Philip Muskin in an interview with The Atlantic. So, while you enjoy copious amounts of time at home, get on and join in the baking craze to keep your worries at bay. If it's not obvious from the sudden surge of posts lately, banana bread is having a moment, so go ahead and try it out at home. Even if it's your first foray into baking, sticking to a basic banana bread recipe is really easy. But feel free to experiment. Go bananas (pun intended) in your kitchen and try out these quick upgrades to your home-baked fave.

Choco lovin'

Switch up the unofficial quarantine comfort food by mixing in bittersweet flavours of chocolate. The pairing of bananas with chocolate is a flavour that's always been beloved by all, so you'll be sure that your fresh-baked bread will still be a hit — if not better — with this addition. Follow Delish's recipe above and fold in chocolate chips into your mixture or chop up any chocolate bars lying on your fridge. For a richer chocolate flavour, melt the chocolate pieces and swirl it in after you place your batter in the pan. For a sweeter, slightly nutty taste, Nutella works great too.

Go nuts

Speaking of nutty flavours, why not add a bit of crunch to your bread? This banana bread recipe from Gia's Home looks totally hearty and sumptuous. If walnuts are unavailable, swap it with other kinds like almonds, pili nuts, or even plain peanuts. To enhance their distinct flavour, toast them on a pan until they are slightly brown before chopping them all up and tossing them on top. Better yet, totally incorporate peanut butter to your batter to further enhance the distinct flavour profile.

Dainty muffins

Take it up a notch. Instead of just pouring your batter over a regular loaf pan, bake it in a muffin tray. This way, your banana bread is instantly transformed into little muffins that are both a treat for your eyes and your tum. Your tried and tested banana recipe would do for this; just fill in a lined tray up until it's 3/4 full. Note though, you'd have to adjust your oven temperature and baking time so your muffins don't overcook. Usually, it would take muffins to cook for around 20 minutes in an oven pre-heated to 375°F. You'll know it's perfectly done when you insert a toothpick in the middle and it comes out clean. Unsure of the adjustments you need to do? Just follow the hassle-free recipe of Clean & Delicious above. 

Make it guilt-free

Let's debunk the misconception that healthy food can't be delectable. Whip up a banana bread that's guilt-free yet still completely moist and fluffy with this recipe from the RainbowPlantLife. It's completely easy and quick — you just have to prepare eight ingredients, ingenuously substituting aquafaba (the thick liquid from a can of chickpeas) for the eggs necessary. Spice it up by sprinkling powdered cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that add warmth.

(Cover photo from: @rainbowplantlife)

Next, master these tasty lunch recipes for Mother's Day.