The Best Streusel-Topped (and Healthier!) Banana Walnut Bread

I don’t usually use ‘the best’ as a qualifier or adjective in recipes but this Streusel-topped Banana Walnut Bread is the best banana bread I’ve ever had! While I realize everyone has their favorite banana bread recipe, this recipe is one you’ll want to try. . . moist and satisfying with the sweet, crunchy streusel topping, and it’s made healthier with the addition of whole grains, while delivering some omega-3s from walnuts too.

This recipe is perfect for a new year where you’re trying to eat healthier but still want a sweet treat! Walnuts are perfect partner for banana bread with more nutrients and antioxidants than all other nut varieties and the only tree nuts that are an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based omega-3 essential fatty acid. Walnut oil is heart healthy and a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants. 

The secret ingredient in this banana bread recipe is  Roasted Walnut Oil! It imparts a wonderful roasted nut flavor and makes the banana bread moist. Walnut oil can be used in place of most other cooking oils in baking recipes, sauces and salad dressings or add a drizzle on top of your favorite hummus. 

Tip: To speed up the ripening of your bananas if needed, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 250˚F for 15 to 20 minutes until skins turn black. Peel and mash, allowing to cool slightly before mixing with your eggs and proceeding with recipe.

The whole grains in the recipe come from oats in the batter and topping, and from white whole wheat flour. White whole wheat flour is milled from hard white spring wheat as opposed to the traditional ‘red wheat’ that makes whole wheat flour. It makes for milder-tasting baked goods but still has the nutrition and fiber of whole grains. Substituting white whole wheat flour for up to a third of the white flour in your favorite recipes gives you all of the nutrition and fiber of whole grains without compromising flavor. I use  King Arthur Flour Unbleached White Whole Wheat Flour, available at most grocery stores or Target.

If you like chocolate with your banana bread, find a recipe for Dark Chocolate Chip-Walnut Banana Bread, HERE.