Coconut Banana Loaf

One of my favorite things to do on winter when the temperature drops and I feel like a hermit is to sit on my couch, wrapped in my blankie and enjoy a warm cup of tea with a big slice of a freshly baked loaf or pound cake. Actually any baked treat that pairs well with a hot beverage will work for me; but there's something special about loaf cakes...dunno, maybe is that rustic look they usually have with those impromptu cracks on top, they kinda scream 'homemade & cozy' to me.
It's been a while since the last time I baked a loaf cake and sincerely I should've done it before cause my family has been asking for it way too many times! But when you are a food blogger one of the first things you strive for is variety: as much as one can love, for example, cookies, your readers could die of boredom if they see the same type of recipes every single week.
Finally all the cravings of my loved ones have been satisfied: Coconut Banana Loaf to the rescue! With the sweet and irresistible tropical touch of banana and coconut, this loaf will warm you up and lift your spirit even on the coldest days. Made with whole wheat flour and a good dose of fresh orange juice, this hearty cake is more than a simple banana bread.
...and now I'm off to prepare my Valentine's Day recipe. Stay tuned!



Coconut Banana Loaf
(recipe adapted from 'Whole Grain Vegan Baking')

Ingredients
1 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened.
3/4 cup organic brown sugar.
1/4 cup sunflower oil.
1 1/4 cups fresh orange juice.
4 ounces (113 g) mashed banana.
1/2 tsp salt.
2 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour.
1 tbsp baking powder.



Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 ºF (180 ºC).
Lightly coat an 8 x 4-inch (20 x 10 cm) loaf pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl combine coconut, sugar, oil, orange juice, mashed banana and salt. Add in the flour and baking powder, stir just until combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 60 minutes. Be careful that the top of the loaf doesn't brown up quickly. If so, place the loaf on a lower rack (not the lowest!) or reduce the temperature a little bit.
To check if the loaf is done baking insert a toothpick in the center, it should come out clean.
Place on a wire rack, still in the pan, for about 15 minutes before transferring directly to the rack.
Let cool before slicing.
Store in an airtight container.








Comments

  1. Banana loaf is my absolute favorite I cant get enough of it I also love coconut but never combined the two I have no idea why, I will be from now on. x

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    1. Hi Rebecca!
      Loaf cakes and pound cakes are my absolute favorite treats when I want something special for my breakfast/afternoon snack. Funny you mention the coconut/banana combo thing cause even though I love these two I never combined them before...well, in pancakes yes, but never in loafs. :-p

      xoxox

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  2. I love adding coconut to my banana bread/cake recipe. It makes all the difference I think – much lighter cake. I love nothing more than snuggling under a blanket on the sofa (with coffee) myself and now my two kids are copying me so there are fights over the blanket. I am looking forward to some warmer weather!

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    Replies
    1. Couldn't agree more! :-) Coconut makes everything better (just like chocolate!).
      One of the good things about cold weather is to get all warm and cozy at home. Luckily we all have our own blankets because there were some fights in the past! lol.
      Spring can't come soon enough though!!!

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  3. Coconut and banana are so wonderful together. This is a great quick bread, Gemma.

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    1. Thanks Angie! Most of the times the simple things are the best. :-)
      It's a great quick recipe that gives you comfort and sweetness.

      Have a wonderful weekend! x

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  4. Now this recipe is just my speed- Perfectly comforting, simple, sweet, and with a slightly tropical twist. That brilliantly short ingredient list just seals the deal.

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    1. You're so good with words Hannah! Thank you so much for dedicating such nice words to me!...well, to my loaf! :-p
      This recipe brings a little sparkle of spring to the icy cold weather we are having in Spain these weeks.

      xoxox

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  5. Si digo que me gusta la cocina es porque amo preparar dulces. Los bizcochos son mi perdición umm!!
    Este banana loaf, esta de rechupete. Tendré que sustituir el coco..soy alérgica...
    Tienes unas fotos preciosa, me encantan!
    besos
    besos

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