Winter Warmers 2 - Blissful Banana Bread

Next in our Winter Warmers series, we bring you the famous and wonderfully comforting Blissful Banana Bread. This recipe was originally created by my wife, Carolina, when we realised I could no longer enjoy traditional cakes but still craved something that delivered the same cosy satisfaction. That’s how this favourite was born.

One of the best things about this banana bread is how adaptable it is. With a few simple tweaks, you can tailor the sweetness, texture, and flavour to suit almost any dietary preference. Even the sweet element has several alternatives, making it a versatile staple for all kinds of diets.

Method

1. Prepare the base

Mash 3 medium, ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1.5 tbsp melted coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup.

2. Choose your sweetener

For a classic option, stir in 50g coconut sugar. For a healthier twist, gently heat a handful of dates with a splash of milk until they form a paste. This works well as a natural sugar replacement, though it can make the bread a little denser.

3. Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl, mix together:

• 170g spelt flour

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 2 tsp baking soda

Sift the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and fold until your batter comes together smoothly.

4. Bake

Pour into an oven-proof baking dish and bake at 180°C for 30 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick — if it comes out wet, give the bread a little longer.

5. Rest and enjoy

Allow the banana bread to cool for 15–20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for maximum bliss.