I’m a huge fan of almond croissants (perhaps because I’m French) and frangipane, the almond paste you can find in French King’s Cakes. I’ve made several recipes with an almond croissant twist, like my Vegan Almond Croissant Pastry and Almond Croissant Cookies. But I’m also constantly making banana bread for my family. They are healthy, wholesome, and easy-to-make breakfast or snacks that last for days. So what more natural to combine these two essential treats into one? This almond banana bread combines the moist crumb of a classic vegan banana bread with the delicate and subtle flavors of almond croissant. And believe me when I said that, it did not last more than 24 hours. Here’s a challenge for you. If you make it and it lasts more than a day before being completely munched out, you need to let me know!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Let me give you some tips on how to choose the key ingredients.
Bananas: Choose bananas that are overripe with lots of brown spots. They should be very soft to the touch for easy mashing and optimal sweetness. Measure the bananas after mashing them. Almond Flour: Use finely ground almond flour for a smoother texture. Almond meal works but will result in a slightly denser bread. Maple Syrup: Go for pure maple syrup or agave syrup for natural sweetness. Avoid artificially flavored syrups for the best flavor. Coconut nectar is another natural, wholesome alternative. All-Purpose Flour: Choose a high-quality all-purpose flour for the best texture and structure in the bread. I haven’t tried this recipe with gluten-free flour. If you do try, let me know in the comments! Coconut Oil: Use high-quality, organic coconut oil. If using olive oil or canola oil, ensure they are light to avoid overpowering the banana flavor. Sugar: You can either use classic sugar or more unrefined alternatives like coconut sugar. Almond Extract: This boosts the almondness of the recipe.
How to Make Almond Banana Bread
This recipe is made in three steps. While the while recipe card is further down, I’ve included below pictures of crucial steps.
Customizing The Recipe
Flavor Variations: Add a handful of dark chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or dried fruit to the batter for added flavor and texture. Spices: Increase the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a spicier flavor profile. Sweetness Adjustments: Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup. For a less sweet bread, reduce the maple syrup slightly. Topping Alternatives: Instead of the almond topping, try a streusel topping made with oats, brown sugar, and vegan butter for a different texture and flavor. Serving Suggestions: Serve the banana bread warm with a dollop of vegan butter or almond butter. It’s also delicious with a drizzle of maple syrup or a side of fresh fruit.
Expert Tips
Banana Ripeness: Use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness. They’re easier to mash and provide a natural sweetness to the bread. Mixing Technique: Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them. This ensures even distribution of the baking powder and baking soda, preventing any lumps and ensuring a consistent rise. Oil Choice: Use melted coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor and moisture. Ensure the oil is cooled before mixing to prevent it from solidifying when combined with other ingredients. Baking Time: Check the bread a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done. Overbaking can dry out the bread. Topping Application: Apply the almond topping evenly before baking. Press it lightly into the batter to help it adhere during baking and create a perfect crunchy layer.
More Recipes with Almond Croissant Flavors
