Chaga Fortified Banana Bread

A Deliciously Healthy Twist on a Classic Favorite

Banana bread is a cherished classic, passed down through generations, offering comfort with its moist texture and rich flavor. But what if we told you there’s a way to make this timeless treat even healthier, more nutrient-packed, and just as delicious? Just like we sneak pureed vegetables and other wholesome ingredients into our kids' meals, you can do the same with mushroom powders! Enter chaga-fortified banana bread! 🍌

Why Add Chaga to Banana Bread?

Boosts Immunity: The antioxidants in chaga are particularly effective at combating oxidative stress in the body. This helps to support a strong immune system, keeping you healthier year-round.

Enhances Energy: Thanks to its high concentration of adaptogens, chaga can help increase energy levels, making it a great ingredient for a morning snack or post-workout treat.

Supports Gut Health: Chaga has prebiotic properties, meaning it helps nourish the good bacteria in your gut, improving digestion and overall gut health.

Rich in Fiber: Just like bananas, chaga is a great source of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and supporting healthy blood sugar levels.

Protein Enrichment: Chaga contains small amounts of high-quality protein, including essential amino acids. While it won’t replace traditional protein sources, adding chaga to your banana bread provides an extra nutritional boost, making your snack more satiating and beneficial for muscle recovery.

By fortifying your banana bread with chaga, you’re turning a simple indulgence into a health-boosting powerhouse! Now, let’s dive into how you can make this delicious treat at home.

Chaga-Fortified Banana Bread Recipe by Carmen Boshoff

Ingredients:

• 3 very ripe (black) large bananas 🍌 (mashed)
• 1 teapoon of chaga powder
• 100g of soft butter 🧈
• 2 medium eggs
  
• 250ml double cream plain yoghurt
• 100ml coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoons of vanilla extract 
• 625ml of flour 🌾
• 4 teaspoons of baking soda
• Sprinkle of Himalayan salt
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
  
• Optional: 1/4 cup of walnuts or dark chocolate chips for added texture 🍫

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
3. Beat coconut sugar with butter. 
4. Beat in the eggs then beat in the mashed bananas.
5. Stir in flour, salt, optional cinnamon and baking powder.
6. Stir in yoghurt and vanilla extract stirring gently until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated. Optional: if you like a bit of texture, fold in the optional walnuts or dark chocolate chips.
7. Pour the batter into your prepared greased loaf pan.
8. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, risen and slightly cracked.
9. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Perfect Chaga Banana Bread:

• Use very ripe (black) bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter your bread will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe because they provide natural sweetness and moisture as well as beneficial prebiotics.
• Experiment with flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg, some dried fruit, or a sprinkle of flaxseeds for additional flavor and nutrients.
• Chaga dosage: Start with 1 teaspoon of chaga powder. It’s potent, and you don’t need too much to reap the benefits. You can adjust according to your personal preference.
• Storage: Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Why Chaga-Fortified Banana Bread is Perfect for You

This chaga-infused banana bread offers the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. It’s a delicious treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also nourishes your body with antioxidants and immune-boosting compounds. Plus, the fiber from both the bananas and the chaga helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, making it a great snack for busy days.

Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast bite, an afternoon snack, or a post-workout treat, this banana bread will keep you energized and healthy. And the best part? No one will even know that you’ve supercharged it with chaga unless you tell them! 😉

Final Thoughts

Banana bread is a classic comfort food that has been loved for generations, and with the addition of chaga, you can turn it into a nutritious powerhouse. This recipe is an easy way to incorporate this medicinal mushroom into your diet without sacrificing flavor. So the next time you’re in the kitchen, why not give this chaga-fortified banana bread a try? Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you! 🌱

If you want to chagafy this recipe even further, supercharge it with a cup of chaga mushroom tea on the side! Check out the recipe here. 

Stay healthy, stay happy, and enjoy your baking! 🍞💚

Don't forget to tag us with your creation and share the joy on our Instagram account !

References:

• Das AK, et al. Edible Mushrooms as Functional Ingredients for Development of Healthier and More Sustainable Muscle Foods: A Flexitarian Approach. Molecules. 2021 Apr 23;26(9):2463. doi: 10.3390/molecules26092463. PMID: 33922630; PMCID: PMC8122938.
• Filipa S. Reis, et al. Functional foods based on extracts or compounds derived from mushrooms. Trends in Food Science & Technology, Volume 66, 2017, Pages 48-62, ISSN 0924-2244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2017.05.010