Spelt Flour Banana Bread with Walnuts
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Spelt Flour Banana Bread with Walnuts

by Darian Pestell
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This spelt flour banana bread with walnuts is exactly what your recipe collection is missing!

I am currently experimenting with new flours to bake with. Chickpea flour, cassava flour and now spelt flour! I originally bought spelt flour because I was having intense cravings for bagels. I still plan on satisfying that bagel craving and publishing the recipe when I do, but I figured that my website needed another banana bread recipe first!

Spelt Flour Banana Bread with Walnuts
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What is spelt flour anyways? Spelt is a grain that is closely related to wheat. It is believed that spelt flour was first used almost 8000 years ago, and makes it one of the oldest cultivated crops in history. Spelt is also known as “dinkel wheat” which, regardless your maturity level or sense of humour, is a pretty funny name if you ask me!

Is spelt flour gluten free? No. Spelt does contain gluten. However, Spelt has a lower amount of gluten in it compared to wheat, and seems to be tolerated better by those with gluten sensitivities. *Keep in mind that a sensitivity is different than an intolerance, allergy or celiac disease.*

Spelt flour has a mild nutty flavour to it and is fantastic for baking because of the gluten content and its slightly sweet flavour! It also has some health benefits and is high in nutrients too, so that makes me extra happy to use it!

Health benefits of spelt flour:

  • Compared to wheat flour, spelt flour is higher in iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and phosphorus.
  • Aids in blood circulation thanks to the copper and iron.
  • Iron helps to prevent anemia so it is a great alternative to use instead of wheat for those with iron deficiency.
  • A good source of thiamine, which helps to boost the immune system.
  • Contains fibre which is necessary for a healthy gut and elimination of waste from the bowels.

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Banana bread is a favourite of basically every human in the world. If you don’t like banana bread, I’m sorry but I can’t trust you…

Ripe bananas are something beautiful. You can use them for baking from the point that they just start to have brown spots on them, up until the point they are completely black and a pile of mush under the peel. Don’t let anyone ever throw out your ripe bananas! EVER!

One time I got upset with my boyfriend because he ate a banana that was really spotted because he was “trying to reduce food waste”… COMMON GUY! THAT IS MY GOLD.
I loved the initiative to reduce waste because that is something I am really passionate about, but I always need a stock pile of ripe bananas in the freezer and I was running low!

Reasons why you will love this spelt flour banana bread with walnuts:

  • It is dairy free.
  • It is super MOIST.
  • It is easy to digest.
  • It is delicious, fluffy and amazing.
  • It is a perfect snack (tastes delicious served with a cup of black coffee!)
  • It is sweetened with 4 ripe bananas and maple syrup, making it perfectly sweet and refined sugar free!

I hope you LOVE this banana bread as much as I do! Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments section below and don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest and Instagram @wholisticfoodie!

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recipe notes:

  • Whole wheat or unbleached all purpose flour can be substituted in place of spelt flour.
    • Alternatively, you could try using your favourite gluten free 1:1 flour. Be sure to let me know in the comments if you try it out!
  • Use bananas that are very spotted or the peel is all brown.
  • Honey or agave syrup can be used instead of maple syrup.
  • Coconut oil, avocado oil or butter can be used in place of olive oil.

Spelt Flour Banana Bread with Walnuts

Delicious banana bread with less gluten compared to using wheat flour, sweetened with maple syrup and 4 ripe bananas!
By:
Ingredients
  • 1/3 C olive oil
  • 1/3 C maple syrup
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 C),
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp + 1/4 tsp cinnamon (divided)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 3/4 C spelt flour
  • 1/2 C chopped walnuts
  • garnishes:
  • large flake sea salt
  • walnut pieces
Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350° and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a medium sized mixing bowl, mix together the oil, maple syrup, eggs, bananas and vanilla. I like to use a fork to mix together the ingredients and break up the banana. Mix until the banana is small and still slightly chunky.
Step 3
Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon, baking soda and spelt flour and stir until incorporated (being careful not to over mix), then fold in the walnut pieces.
Step 4
Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle 1/4 tsp cinnamon on top of the batter. Using a spoon, gently mix the cinnamon into the top part of the banana bread. Garnish with large flake sea salt and walnuts.
Step 5
Bake for 55-60 minutes on the middle rack of the oven or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
Step 6
Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days.

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