How to Make Soft and Tender Almond Banana Bread with Apricots in 60 Minutes

There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, isn’t there? Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Soft and Tender Almond Banana Bread with Apricots. This delightful treat is not only moist and flavorful but also packed with the goodness of bananas and apricots. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves banana bread! And if you’re looking for easy pasta recipes to pair with your meal, I’ve got you covered there too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make in just 60 minutes.
• Moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Nutty flavor from almond flour and sliced almonds.
• Sweet bursts of flavor from dried apricots.
• Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!

Ingredients

To whip up this delicious Almond Banana Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour (180g)
• ½ cup almond flour (60g)
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch (*)
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ cup sugar of choice (100g, use monk fruit sweetener for lower sugar option)
• 1 ½ cup mashed bananas (337g, about 3 medium fully ripened bananas)
• ½ cup light olive oil
• ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 cup dried apricots (roughly diced)
• 3 Tbsp sliced almonds

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Soft and Tender Almond Banana Bread with Apricots:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, mashed bananas, olive oil, almond milk, and almond extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until you have a smooth batter. The batter will be thick.
5. Carefully fold in the diced dried apricots into the batter until evenly distributed.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of the batter.
7. Bake the banana bread in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your banana bread turns out perfectly every time:

• Make sure your bananas are fully ripened for the best flavor and sweetness.
• For a fun twist, try adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter!
• If you have leftover almond pulp from making almond milk, consider using it in this recipe for a unique Almond Pulp Banana Bread.
• Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, and you want to avoid overbaking.

How to Serve

This Almond Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it even further! Here are some serving suggestions:

• Spread a little almond butter or cream cheese on a warm slice.
• Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Serve it as part of a brunch spread alongside Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Chinese Takeout or Zero Point Chicken Salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

This banana bread is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:

• Once cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the bread. Wrap it well and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.

So there you have it! A delightful recipe for Soft and Tender Almond Banana Bread with Apricots that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this banana bread is a delicious way to satisfy your cravings. And if you’re looking for more weeknight dinner ideas or 30-minute meals, don’t forget to check out my creamy garlic pasta recipe for a quick family dinner!