Baking with Kids

As you start your holiday baking, here is something that I have found very helpful when baking with kids. They don't always have the attention span to wait patiently while you measure out all the ingredients for them to pour in. When I am making something, I have a seperate bowl set aside to put the exact dry ingredients in. I then label a baggie with whatever I'm making. Sometimes I write right on the baggie the wet ingredients that need to be added. Set this ingredient bag aside for when your little ones want to "help" with your baking. This way you won't be distracted and miss an ingredient (yup, speaking from experience here). The kids get so excited when they get to eat what they created! And you are a rock star at this grandparent gig!

This is a really easy Gluten Free, Healthy Banana Bread recipe that can be Vegan if you prefer.

 Banana Bread 

2 cups blanched almond flour

2 tbsp sweetener of choice (if needed) * See notes

1 tsp baking powder 

1 tsp cinnamon 

1/4 tsp salt

2 large overripe bananas, mashed

2 flax eggs Can sub for 2 whole eggs

1/2 cup coconut oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350F/180C. Grease a loaf pan or 10 x 10-inch square pan and set aside. (I used 6 small kid-sized loaf pans)

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients and mix well.

In a separate bowl, melt your coconut oil. Add your mashed bananas and flax eggs/eggs and whisk together. 

Combine wet and dry mixture and mix until fully incorporated. Pour into the greased pan.

Bake for 40-50 minutes (square pan tends to be around the 40-minute mark, loaf pan 45-50 minute mark and small loaves take about 30 minutes), or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. 

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy.  

NOTES

* Optional- Only add if you prefer a sweeter banana bread/breakfast cake

Healthy Flourless Banana Bread (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free) should be kept refrigerated, for up to 3 days. It is also freezer friendly.