This post is sponsored by Karuna Drinks. All opinions are of my own.
Up until last year I always proclaimed that summer was my favorite season. I do LOVE the long sunny warm days summer has to offer. But Fall has won me over. One reason being is that fall represents gratitude. How so? Because it’s the time of year where the harvest is full representing the abundance Mother Nature has to offer. What better way to bring in the harvest season than with warm sweet banana bread.
Pre vegan I never ate banana bread. In fact it was my baby sister who bugged me into making it. “Gina I have very ripe bananas can you make some banana bread for me, please!?” Being the awesome big sister I am I agreed so you gals and guys have my sister to thank for recipe. What make this vegan banana bread special is the use of spelt flour and Karuna’s Divine Three Drink.
I like to consume Karuna’s Divine Three Drink during an during a HITT cardio session to keep me fueled throughout the intense workout. It contains a good source of protein and carbohydrates two key components in recovering in any workout. Karuna Drinks always come with integrity in their drinks meaning the nutrition is bioavailable for absorption and ethnically sourced; friendly on the environment. The two main ingredients are black soybeans and quinoa flour.
Curve Building Spelt Flour
Spelt flour is considered an ancient grain believe to have been first used over 7,000 years ago (Source: 8 Surprising Benefits of Spelt) It’s my favorite grain to use for baking because of it’s nutty texture and earthy flavor. Spelt is a very popular staple among Alkaline/Plant Based Vegans. Spelt does contain gluten but in lower amounts. Still if you have a serious gluten intolerance or Celic disease, it’s best to avoid all together. Some other benefits include:
It’s a healthy complex carbohydrate and a great source of plant based protein (amino acids).
Rich in minerals like zinc, iron, copper, and magnesium.
Because of its high iron and copper levels, eating spelt benefits blood circulation.
Spelth has a high content of fiber so it can aid in healthy digestion.
Make sure your bananas are really really REALLY ripe. The riper the bananas, the more banana flavor you will have and the easier it will be to mash. So don’t throw out those old bananas! Let them get good and brown! Eat this banana bread for breakfast with almond butter and hot cocoa, or serve as a quick protein, complex carb fueled snack in between lunch and dinner.
Thank you Karuna Drinks for helping me bring this recipe to life!
IF YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE: Tell me how it turned out for you! Was it a hit or miss? Are you a banana bread lover? Do keep it classic or add additional nuts and dried fruit to the mix? Tell me about it! Leave a comment below, rate it, pin it, and tag a photo #VeganWithCurves on Instagram so I can see it!
Preheat oven to 350F.
Lightly grease the bottom of a 9 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl stiff together all of your dry ingredients; spelt flour, organic cane sugar, cinnamon powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In another large bowl, mash the banana until almost smooth. Stir the wet ingredients (Karuna’s Divine Three Drink, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, and lemon juice) into the banana until combined.
Add dry mixture to wet and stir until fully combined leaving no dry flour in the bowl. DO NOT OVER MIX.
Optional: Gently fold your choices of nuts and/or dried fruit. (or you can totally skip this option)
Pour into your prepared 9 inch pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the loaf comes out mostly clean. It should have a lightly golden firm top on the top of the bread
Allow your loaf to cool for 15 minutes in loaf pan. Then flip loaf out onto a wire rack and cool completely for about 30 minutes.
The loaf will keep in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days or you can freeze it for up to 5 weeks. With either storage method be sure to wrap it tightly.