Ingredients
2 ripe bananas (about 1 cup) for the batter
1 banana for decorating the top
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
3/4 cup sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon matcha powder
1 teaspoon spirulina powder
1/4 cup milk (plant-based milk works too)
Execution
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Banana Mixture:
In a large bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, and sugar. Mix well until everything is combined.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the banana mixture, stirring to avoid lumps. Pour in the milk and mix until the batter is smooth.
Divide the Batter:
Divide the batter into two equal parts. Add the matcha powder and spirulina powder to one part and mix until it is uniformly green.
Layer the Batter:
In the prepared pan, alternately spoon the plain and green batters, creating layers (white, green, white, green, etc.).
Create the Swirl:
Use a knife or spoon to gently swirl through the batter to create a marbled effect.
Decorate:
Slice the remaining banana lengthwise and place the halves on top of the batter, cut side up.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Additional tips
- Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for an additional layer of flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture.
- Storage: Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Matcha Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas about 1 cup for the batter
- 1 banana for decorating the top
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1 teaspoon spirulina powder
- 1/4 cup milk plant-based milk works too
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Banana Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, and sugar. Mix well until everything is combined.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the banana mixture, stirring to avoid lumps. Pour in the milk and mix until the batter is smooth.
Divide the Batter:
- Divide the batter into two equal parts. Add the matcha powder and spirulina powder to one part and mix until it is uniformly green.
Layer the Batter:
- In the prepared pan, alternately spoon the plain and green batters, creating layers (white, green, white, green, etc.).
Create the Swirl:
- Use a knife or spoon to gently swirl through the batter to create a marbled effect.
Decorate:
- Slice the remaining banana lengthwise and place the halves on top of the batter, cut side up.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Enhance the Green Hue: Use high-quality matcha powder for a more vibrant color and richer flavor.
- Keep It Moist: Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure a soft and fluffy texture.
- Make It Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based milk.
- Add a Crunch: Sprinkle sesame seeds, slivered almonds, or pumpkin seeds on top before baking for extra texture.
- Pairing Suggestion: Enjoy with a cup of matcha latte or herbal tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
