Delicious & Dairy-Free Spelt Flour Banana Bread with Toasted Coconut & Dark Chocolate

Indulge in a truly exceptional banana bread experience with this recipe for Spelt Flour Banana Bread. It’s incredibly soft and tender on the inside, boasts delightfully crispy edges, and is generously studded with toasted coconut and luscious dark chocolate chips. What makes it even better? It’s entirely dairy-free, crafted without butter, milk, or sour cream, transforming it into a versatile and decadent treat perfect for a wholesome breakfast, a special brunch, or a satisfying dessert.

Banana bread continues to be a beloved comfort food, and this recipe offers a delightful twist using spelt flour – an ancient grain that’s often easier to find on grocery store shelves than some other specialty flours. During times when all-purpose or even whole wheat flour might be scarce, spelt flour shines as an accessible and nutritious alternative. Its unique flavor and excellent baking properties make it a fantastic choice for this classic treat.

This particular spelt banana bread has become a household favorite, gracing our kitchen counter for several weeks now. Its appeal lies in the harmonious blend of flavors: a subtle, sweet banana essence complemented by the tropical notes of coconut and the rich depth of dark chocolate. The secret to those irresistibly crisp edges? Coconut oil, which also contributes to the bread’s dairy-free nature and wonderfully moist crumb.

Embracing spelt flour opens up a world of delicious baking possibilities. If you find yourself with extra spelt flour after making this banana bread, consider exploring other delightful recipes like a peach ricotta skillet cake or a buttermilk plum cake. These recipes are perfect for celebrating seasonal stone fruits and showcasing the versatility of spelt.

Essential Ingredients for Spelt Flour Banana Bread

Crafting this delicious and wholesome banana bread requires a few simple yet impactful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture:

• Very Overripe Bananas: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and moisture. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots!
• Spelt Flour: Our chosen ancient grain flour, offering a nutty flavor and lighter texture than traditional whole wheat.
• Coconut Sugar: A natural sweetener that adds a caramel-like depth without being overly sweet.
• Coconut Oil: The dairy-free fat source that contributes to crispy edges and a moist interior.
• Flaked Coconut (Toasted): Enhances the tropical flavor and adds a delightful textural element.
• Eggs: Provide structure and bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: A staple for enhancing overall flavor and aroma.
• Nut Milk (Unsweetened): Keeps the recipe dairy-free and contributes to the bread’s moistness. Almond or oat milk work beautifully.
• Baking Powder and Salt: Essential leavening and flavor enhancers.
• Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Chips: For bursts of rich, decadent chocolate flavor throughout the loaf.

What is Spelt Flour and Why Is It Good For You?

Spelt is an ancient grain that belongs to the wheat family, alongside barley and rye. Revered for centuries, it offers a distinct nutty flavor and, once milled into flour, it achieves a light, fine texture remarkably similar to traditional whole wheat flour. This makes it an excellent substitute in many recipes that call for whole wheat flour, often yielding a slightly softer and more delicate crumb.

Beyond its culinary versatility, spelt flour is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, spelt provides a good amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function, along with a range of important vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.

One notable benefit of spelt flour is its potential digestibility for those with wheat sensitivities. While it’s not gluten-free (it contains gluten, just like wheat), some individuals find spelt easier to digest due to its higher water solubility and increased fiber content. This unique composition can make it a gentler option for some who experience discomfort with modern wheat varieties. You can typically find spelt flour in the organic or natural foods section of your local grocery store or health food market, making it a convenient choice for your baking needs.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Spelt Flour Banana Bread

Creating this delightful spelt flour banana bread is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a perfect loaf every time:

1. Prepare the Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the baked bread out of the pan.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the coconut sugar and melted coconut oil until the mixture is light and crumbly. This step ensures an even distribution of sugar and fat.
3. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring it’s evenly mixed to infuse its aromatic notes throughout the batter.
4. Add Banana and Milk: Gently stir in the mashed overripe bananas and the unsweetened nut milk. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing at this stage to keep the bread tender.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, toasted coconut flakes, baking powder, and kosher salt. This ensures that the leavening agents and flavorings are evenly distributed before adding to the wet mixture.
6. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the flour is just incorporated. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to a dense, tough banana bread, so mix until no streaks of flour remain, then stop.
7. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in half a cup of the dairy-free dark chocolate chips into the batter. This ensures a distribution of chocolate throughout the loaf.
8. Fill Pan and Top: Pour the prepared batter into your greased and lined loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter. This creates a beautiful, tempting crust of melted chocolate.
9. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on your loaf.
10. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully lift the bread out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This cooling time is crucial for the bread to set properly and prevent it from crumbling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spelt Flour Banana Bread

Here are answers to some common questions about making this delicious spelt flour banana bread:

Q: I don’t have spelt flour. Is there another type of flour I can use?
A: While spelt flour offers a unique texture and flavor, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour in this recipe. However, please note that using whole wheat flour may result in a slightly denser banana bread compared to the lighter, more tender crumb achieved with spelt flour. All-purpose flour can also be used, but you might miss some of the nutty flavor and nutritional benefits.

Q: Why do I need to use very overripe bananas?
A: Very overripe bananas (the ones with lots of brown spots) are crucial for the best banana bread. As bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugars, making them sweeter and easier to mash. This extra sweetness means you can use less added sugar, and the increased moisture contributes to a deliciously soft and tender loaf. Using under-ripe bananas will result in a less flavorful and potentially drier bread.

Q: Can this recipe be made into muffins instead of a loaf?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully for muffins. You can yield approximately 12 muffins from this batter. Simply fill your muffin cups almost full with the batter. Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 19-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Adjust baking time as needed for your oven.

Q: How do you store coconut banana bread to keep it fresh?
A: To maintain its freshness and moisture, store this banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature. You can store it as a full loaf or pre-slice it for convenience. Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry out the bread.

Q: How long will this spelt banana bread last?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, this delicious banana bread will stay fresh and moist for 4-5 days. It tends to taste even better the day after baking as the flavors meld together.

Q: Can banana bread be frozen for longer storage?
A: Yes, banana bread freezes exceptionally well! Once your loaf has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply let it defrost at room temperature for a few hours before slicing and serving. For quick enjoyment, individual slices can also be frozen and defrosted as needed.

Recipe Tips and Delicious Substitutions for Your Banana Bread

Elevate your spelt flour banana bread with these helpful tips and creative substitutions:

• Mixing Technique for a Tender Loaf: For the best texture, I recommend using an electric mixer to cream together the sugar, coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla. However, once you add the mashed bananas, nut milk, and dry ingredients, switch to a spoon or spatula. Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a dense, rubbery banana bread. Gentle stirring is key to a light and tender crumb.
• Embrace the Overripe Bananas: As mentioned, very overripe bananas are essential. They are not only easier to mash but also contribute significantly more natural sweetness and moisture to the bread, allowing for a reduction in added sugar and a richer banana flavor. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can speed up the process by baking them on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 15-30 minutes until their skins are black.
• Coconut Choices: This recipe calls for toasted coconut flakes, which add a delightful crunch and enhanced coconut flavor. If you prefer, you can use medium or shredded coconut, and untasted works perfectly fine too, though you’ll miss the added depth from toasting. For a subtler coconut presence, you can even omit it.
• Sweetness Level of Coconut: I prefer using unsweetened coconut to control the overall sweetness of the bread. However, if you enjoy a sweeter treat, sweetened coconut can be used, but be mindful that it will add extra sugar to the recipe.
• Nutty Additions: To change up the texture and flavor, consider folding in about half a cup of chopped nuts. Pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts are fantastic choices that complement the banana and chocolate beautifully. Add them along with the chocolate chips.
• Chocolate Options: This recipe is designed to be dairy-free, so dairy-free dark chocolate chips are recommended. However, if dietary restrictions aren’t a concern for you, feel free to use any kind of chocolate chips you have on hand – milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate chips would be delicious. Chopped chocolate bars also work well for a more rustic look and melt.
• Loaf Pan Color Matters: The type of loaf pan you use can affect baking time. Dark-colored loaf pans, like the one often used here, absorb more heat and can cause the bottom and sides of your bread to brown more quickly. If you’re using a lighter-colored metal or glass loaf pan, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure the bread is cooked through and golden brown.
• Adjusting for Pan Size: This recipe is optimized for a standard 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. If you’re using a different size, you will need to adjust the baking time accordingly. For example, a smaller 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan might require an additional 5-8 minutes of baking time, as the batter will be thicker. Always rely on the toothpick test for doneness.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice can add a wonderful warmth and depth to your banana bread. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your preference.

Other Delightful Banana Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of banana-infused treats, explore these other delicious recipes:

• Vegan Banana Snack Cake
• Peanut Butter Banana Protein Donuts
• Healthy Banana Nut Muffins
• Banana Avocado Oatmeal Cookies
• Almond Flour Banana Cake

This Dairy-Free Spelt Flour Banana Bread offers a wholesome yet indulgent way to enjoy a classic favorite. With its tender crumb, delightful crunch from toasted coconut, and rich chocolate bursts, it’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Give it a try, and you’ll discover a new favorite for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

If you make this spelt flour banana bread, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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