Cacao & Nuts Banana Bread

A slice of warm banana bread: so simple and so comforting, especially when it's made with wholesome ingredients and no added sugar.

On Day 3 of my gluten-free, sugar-free dessert series, I’m sharing one of my favorite comfort snacks: a Cacao & Nuts Banana Bread that’s soft, rich, and deliciously satisfying without being overly sweet.

Instead of refined sugars, I’ve let the natural sweetness of ripe bananas do the heavy lifting, alongside a touch of stevia extract to elevate the flavor gently. I don’t use refined sugar in my kitchen; I trust in the sweetness of real ingredients and the balance that comes from combining flavors mindfully.

A mix of chopped walnuts and almonds, ground into a dusty flour, adds a nutty vibe and also healthy fats. Buckwheat flour brings in gut-friendly fiber and complex carbs, while cacao powder and cinnamon give this loaf a comforting feeling.

Combine all the ingredients and the result?! A moist, fluffy bread with just the right touch of sweetness; perfect as a snack. I love to enjoy it with a dollop of homemade berry chia jam. The contrast between the rich cacao and the tart berries is a finger-licking sensation!

This recipe is more than dessert; it's a nourishing, simple treat that honors your body while satisfying your cravings.

Prep & Cook Time: 50 minutes

Makes 1 loaf

Source of complex carbs & healthy fats

INGREDIENTS:

• 60 g walnuts
• 90 g almonds
• 120 g buckwheat flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp cacao powder
• 1/4 tsp vanilla powder
• pinch of sea salt
• 3 ripe bananas (large size)
• 1 egg (medium size)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp stevia extract, more to taste

TO GARNISH:

• 1 handful of walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp shredded coconut

METHOD:

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C fan. Line a 22 × 15cm baking tin with baking parchment.
2. Place the walnuts and almonds in a food processor and pulse until a dusty flour is formed.
3. Add the resulting flour to a bowl with the buckwheat flour, cacao powder, vanilla powder, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt; mix well to remove any lumps.
4. Once the dried ingredients are combined, add the mashed bananas, extra virgin olive oil and egg; mix really well, until a smooth batter forms.
5. Pour the mixture into the lined baking tin. Garnish the loaf with roughly chopped walnuts and shredded coconut.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

• Calories: 208 kcal
• Protein: 5.6 g
• Fat: 13.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 19.9 g
• Fiber: 3.8 g