Baking without sugar and gluten
I love to bake, but the last thing I need is more sugar in my life. Sugary foods are my downfall, especially muffins, quick breads, and other baked goods that are often as sweet as cake! This no-added sugar fruit and nut bread satisfies my sweet tooth. What’s more, it’s perfect for nutritious meals and snacks, especially if you’re following a no added sugar diet.
Baking with ripe bananas is a great way to cut down on added sugar without sacrificing great taste. I use raisins to provide even more natural sweetness so there’s no need for sugar, honey, or other sweeteners. And, almonds and walnuts supply protein, heart-healthy fat, fiber, and some serious crunch!
I don’t have a problem with gluten, but I know others may. My healthy fruit bread recipe uses oat flour, which is really easy to make at home, instead of wheat flour. As a result, this moist and delicious gluten-free bread is packed with whole grain goodness.
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How to Make Healthy No Added Sugar Fruit and Nut Bread
The beauty of this healthy bread recipe is that it’s flexible. You can mix and match the types of nuts and dried fruits in any combination. And, you can make 12 muffins out of the batter instead of a single loaf of bread.
There are so many ways to enjoy a slice of this tasty quick bread. For instance, top a slice with peanut butter, almond butter, or cottage cheese. Pair a slice with an egg or two or a carton of Greek yogurt for a quick meal or snack. Add a piece of fruit for a balanced meal or snack.
I hope you enjoy this bread as much as we do in our house. Here are a few notes before you begin:
• To make oat flour, place 2 cups of gluten-free one-minute or old fashioned oats in a food processor and process on high speed for about 1 minute or until oats achieve a powder-like consistency.
• The recipe calls for dried cranberries. It’s worth noting that nearly all brands of dried cranberries contain added sugar, so use raisins if you want to limit added sugar.
• The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bread!
No Added Sugar Fruit and Nut Bread
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 2 cups oat flour (See Recipe Notes about how to make oat flour.)
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 3/4 cup chopped almonds
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 3/4 cup unsweetened dried apricots, chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries**
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚F.
- Coat a 1-quart loaf pan with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until no longer chunky. Using a whisk, add the eggs and canola oil and combine well. Add the oat flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Add the almonds, walnuts, apricots, and raisins, and blend well.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Cool for 5 minutes in the pan before turning out on a wire rack to cool for another 10 minutes before cutting.
Notes
Hi, I'm a registered dietitian, writer, recipe developer, and mother of three who specializes in food and nutrition communications and believes in progress, not perfection. If you're interested in easier ways to live a healthier life, you're in the right place. Welcome! 