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Yesterday I went skiing for the first time in probably 13 years. It was so much fun! My 8 year old and I went with my brother, and headed up to Loveland Ski Area in Colorado. We got there just before they opened, so we could get in some good skiing, and try to avoid the crazy traffic coming home. Overnight they got 13 inches of fresh powder. This was my first time skiing in the mountains, and skiing on fresh powder. I now get it. I understand why skiers live for fresh powder. Growing up in the Mid-West I skied regularly, but there it is hard packed snow, and often ice. This was so much different. I can not wait to go again!
I have done a few banana bread recipes on the blog before. I always seem to have bananas that need to be used up, so I turn them into bread or muffins. A few weeks ago I saw a coconut banana bread from This Week for Dinner, and I knew I needed to make it happen immediately. I am not a big fan of actual coconut, but I love baking with coconut oil. I like the flavor of coconut, but I can not stand the texture of shredded coconut. Hopefully we can still be friends.
Given my adversity to shredded coconut, I left that out of this recipe. But if you really want the coconut to shine through, you will want to add it in. I will include it in the recipe below, because I am pretty sure I am in the minority with my opinions on coconut. The chocolate chips are not optional, leave them in! Walnuts would be a good addition too. In addition to using coconut oil as the healthy fat in this bread, I used white whole wheat flour. I am obsessed with white whole wheat flour lately. I am using it all of the time, and an not tell a difference. So nice to know that at least we are getting whole grains when we have a treat.
Whole Wheat Coconut Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup low fat buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 9x5 loaf pans with non stick spray.
- In a bowl mix together coconut oil and sugar. Use a fork or a pastry cutter. Stir in eggs until well combined. Add bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla; mix well.
- Add flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Mix until just barely combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and coconut.
- Divide batter between the 2 loaf pans. Bake for 40-50 minute, until a tester comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes, before removing from the pan to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
love the swap for whole wheat flour and coconut oil – have to try it myself!!! you smart lady 🙂
I love coconut oil. love your use of it here. It’s so good for your whole body 🙂
I love banana bread, add in some wheat and coconut and I am a happy girl! 🙂
Love this. Banana bread is one of our favourites. Add coconut and it’s a happy marriage. I wish I could eat whole wheat flour, drives me nuts that I can’t.
I have to admit that I do like coconut so I’d be including it. We can still be friends though. If it helps, I’ve never used coconut oil. I do love this version of banana bread. No wonder you had to make it right away.
I adore ALL things coconut, so this banana bread is right up my alley! It sounds amazing, Erin!
I read whole wheat coconut date banana bars… inspired to bake now ;D
I just skied for the first time ever a few weeks ago. Totally smitten with it! We should go, you know I’ll just hop on over and we can hang out, bake, munch on cookies, cocoa and ski. Girls weekend (I like my little dreamlandia)
I like your dreamlandia a lot too!
My family is like you, they like the flavor of coconut, but not the shreds. This bread sounds like the perfect way to use up those bananas and give them the flavor they love. Beautiful pictures!!
Your banana bread looks and sounds amazing. I can only imagine how wonderful your house smelled during the baking time!
Haha, of course we can still be friends! I like to use the teeny tiny shreds, but I don’t mind the texture either way. I’d totally sneak it in here and not tell the others. They’d totally love this!