Banana Mango Bread

Healthy Banana Mango Bread Recipe with Whole Wheat Flour and Wheat Germ

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Banana Mango Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, incorporating the tropical sweetness of ripe mangos to create a moist, flavorful loaf that's perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack. This recipe combines the hearty wholesomeness of whole wheat flour and wheat germ with the natural sweetness of bananas and mangos, enhanced with a hint of cinnamon and citrus. It's a simple, yet delicious way to bring a taste of the tropics into your kitchen.

History

The concept of fruit breads dates back centuries, with each culture incorporating its local fruits and grains into their versions. Banana bread, as we know it, became popular in the United States in the 1930s with the advent of baking powder and baking soda. The addition of mango to banana bread is a more recent innovation, reflecting the growing global palate and the desire to experiment with traditional recipes by incorporating exotic fruits. This Banana Mango Bread recipe is a testament to the evolution of baking, blending classic and contemporary flavors.

Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat flour
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp wheat germ
2 tsp double-acting baking powder
0.5 tsp sea salt
1 tsp cinnamon
0.33 cup butter or margarine
0.67 cup brown sugar, loosely packed
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (approximately 4 bananas)
1 cup ripe mango, finely diced (approximately 1 to 2 mangos)
1 tbsp citrus juice

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan with butter. In a bowl, combine the flour and other dry ingredients. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar, then add the vanilla and eggs. Mix well and gradually fold in the flour mixture. Drizzle the mango with citrus juice and add it, along with the bananas, to the bread mixture. Once thoroughly combined, pour the mixture into the prepared pan and place it in the oven for approximately 1 hour.

Variations

Consider these variations to customize your Banana Mango Bread:
Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Stir in a half cup of shredded coconut for a more tropical flavor.
Swap out the citrus juice for lime or lemon juice for a different citrus note.
Include a half cup of chocolate chips for a sweeter, dessert-like bread.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Banana Mango Bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips:

- Use ripe bananas and mangos for the best flavor and natural sweetness.

- Gently fold the fruits into the batter to keep the bread tender.

- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf.

- Check the bread with a toothpick inserted into the center to ensure it's fully baked.

- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

Banana Mango Bread can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea in the morning or can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

For the best results, use the creaming method to combine the margarine and sugar, ensuring the bread has a light, tender crumb. Additionally, folding the fruits in gently helps to distribute them evenly without deflating the batter.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the margarine with coconut oil for a dairy-free and slightly tropical flavor.

- Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the wheat flours if you're avoiding gluten.

- Honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a different type of sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

Banana Mango Bread can be made ahead and stored, tightly wrapped, at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Serve slices of Banana Mango Bread on a platter garnished with fresh mango slices and mint leaves for a visually appealing presentation. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Banana Mango Bread with a light, fruity white wine such as Riesling or a sparkling Prosecco for a delightful contrast of flavors. For non-alcoholic options, a mango iced tea or a banana smoothie complements the bread's flavors beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Banana Mango Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave briefly.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Banana Mango Bread contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a relatively energy-dense snack, ideal for providing a quick boost of energy.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Banana Mango Bread contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates come from the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, fruits, and brown sugar, providing a mix of simple and complex carbs for energy.

Fats

This bread contains about 7 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the margarine. Using margarine instead of butter keeps the saturated fat content lower, making it a heart-healthier choice.

Proteins

Each serving of Banana Mango Bread offers around 4 grams of protein. The protein sources in this recipe include eggs and a small amount from the whole wheat flour and wheat germ.

Vitamins and minerals

Banana Mango Bread is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the citrus juice and mangos, potassium from the bananas, and various B vitamins from the whole grains. It also provides iron and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as wheat (gluten) and eggs. It's also important to note that while margarine is used to keep it dairy-free, some margarine brands may contain traces of dairy.

Summary

Overall, Banana Mango Bread is a nutritious option that provides carbohydrates for energy, a moderate amount of healthy fats, and a good mix of vitamins and minerals. It's a flavorful way to enjoy the benefits of whole grains and fruits.

Summary

Banana Mango Bread is a versatile, delicious recipe that combines the sweetness of bananas and mangos with the nuttiness of whole wheat flour and wheat germ. It's a nutritious option suitable for various occasions, from breakfast to dessert. With tips on preparation, nutrition information, and serving suggestions, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a warm summer day and I was at a farmer's market browsing through the various fruits and vegetables. As I walked past a stand selling ripe bananas and juicy mangoes, a colorful recipe card caught my eye. It was for Banana Mango Bread, a sweet and tropical twist on the classic banana bread.

I had always loved baking, and the idea of combining two of my favorite fruits into a delicious loaf sounded irresistible. So, I purchased a bunch of bananas and a ripe mango, along with the rest of the ingredients listed on the recipe card.

As soon as I got home, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I mashed the bananas and diced the mango, savoring the sweet aroma that filled the kitchen. I mixed the wet and dry ingredients together, creating a thick and luscious batter that promised to bake into a moist and flavorful bread.

I poured the batter into a loaf pan and placed it in the oven, eagerly waiting for the scent of freshly baked bread to waft through the house. As it baked, I could hardly contain my excitement, envisioning the golden crust and tender crumb that would soon emerge from the oven.

When the timer finally beeped, I carefully removed the loaf from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. The house was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of bananas and mangoes, and I couldn't wait to slice into the bread and taste the fruits of my labor.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a tropical paradise. The bread was moist and tender, with bursts of sweetness from the ripe mangoes and a hint of tartness from the bananas. It was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in my baking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Banana Mango Bread countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all marveled at the unique combination of flavors in this delectable loaf.

One of my fondest memories of making Banana Mango Bread was when my granddaughter, Emily, came to visit me one summer. She had always been curious about my baking and loved to help out in the kitchen. So, I decided to teach her how to make this special bread.

We spent the afternoon together, peeling bananas and dicing mangoes, mixing the batter and pouring it into the loaf pan. Emily was a natural in the kitchen, and I could see the same spark of joy in her eyes that I felt whenever I baked.

As the bread baked in the oven, Emily and I sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea and chatting about life. The smell of bananas and mangoes filled the air, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere that I will always cherish.

When the Banana Mango Bread was finally ready, Emily eagerly helped me slice it into thick, golden-brown slices. We each took a bite and savored the sweet and tangy flavors of the bread, sharing a moment that bonded us together in the kitchen.

As Emily grew older, she would often make Banana Mango Bread on her own, using the recipe that I had passed down to her. It warmed my heart to see her carry on the tradition of baking and sharing delicious treats with her loved ones.

Now, whenever I make Banana Mango Bread, I think back to that summer day at the farmer's market when I first discovered the recipe. It reminds me of the joy and love that baking has brought into my life, and the memories that I have shared with my family and friends over the years.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a sweet and tropical treat, look no further than Banana Mango Bread. It's a recipe that has stood the test of time, bringing happiness and warmth to all who taste it. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it down to your own loved ones, creating new memories and traditions in the kitchen.