This whole wheat apple bread with a date and walnut streusel-like topping is absolutely mouthwatering! Made with whole wheat flour, this apple bread is also oil-free, refined sugar-free, vegan and wfpb! Make an extra loaf and freeze for an easy, healthy breakfast or snack. Top it with a scoop of vanilla nice cream for a healthy dessert!
Sweet, breakfast breads are one of my favorite things to bake. They are so tasty and can easily be made, sliced, and thrown in the freezer for whenever you want. This recipe, much like my banana bread, blueberry bread, and chocolate bread, is made using 100% whole wheat flour. It’s also made with no oil or added refined sugar and is, of course, plant-based. A completely healthy bread recipe that everyone is sure to love!
This whole wheat apple bread has the most perfect texture with chunks of apple sprinkled throughout. The date and walnut topping adds a hint of sweetness and acts as the healthy version of streusel. While this recipe is healthy enough for breakfast, it also makes for a great healthy dessert option. It is a seriously delicious recipe that you have to try!
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Notes for Making Whole Wheat Apple Bread
• This recipe uses all whole wheat flour, therefore, the texture of the bread will be different than bread that has been made with only all-purpose flour. Baking with whole wheat flour and no oil typically results in a denser and darker end bread. However, using only whole wheat flour gives the bread greater nutritional value as well as being a less processed and overall healthier alternative to all-purpose flour.
• It is important that you do not over-stir the batter. Doing so will cause the bread to be very dense. This is because it breaks up the bubbles in the batter that work to make the bread lighter.
• The bananas are part of the liquid portion of this bread. Therefore, it is important to make sure they are fully mashed and liquid. It is best to use a standing mixer or hand mixer and beat the bananas on medium to high for a few minutes.
• Make the date and walnut topping before mixing together the wet and dry ingredients. You want to make sure that you don’t leave the batter sitting for too long before transferring it to a pan as this will cause the bread to become dense and sink when cooking. So, just make the topping first and set it aside.
• Avoid using an aluminum loaf pan. Instead, opt for a glass loaf pan and line with parchment paper or cover in unrefined, virgin coconut oil.
• Make sure to bake the apple bread until it is completely cooked throughout. Insert a toothpick in the center, if it comes out clean remove the bread from the oven. Removing the bread too soon will cause the center to sink. Leaving the bread in the oven for too long will result is a dryer and more crumbly bread.
If you try this whole wheat apple bread recipe, or any other recipes, make sure to to use #pureandplantbased and tag us @pureandplantbased on Instagram or Facebook!
Whole Wheat Apple Bread with Date & Walnut Topping
This whole wheat apple bread with a date and walnut streusel-like topping is absolutely mouthwatering! Made with whole wheat flour, this apple bread is also oil-free, refined sugar-free, vegan and wfpb! Make an extra loaf and freeze for an easy, healthy breakfast or snack. Top it with a scoop of vanilla nice cream for a healthy dessert!
Ingredients
- 240 grams whole wheat flour (2 cups)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tbs cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 medium, ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1 tbs apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup apple sauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbs peanut butter
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 tbs lemon juice
- 1 large chopped apple
Date & Walnut Streusel Topping
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 5 dates
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover a loaf pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
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* Make date topping and set aside. See instructions below. *
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In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and salt. Set aside.
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Using a stand or handheld mixer, add the ripe bananas to the bowl. Mix on medium until the bananas are smooth.
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In the mixing bowl add apple juice, apple sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, almond extract and peanut butter. Mix on low until everything is combined.
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Taking your dry ingredients, slowly add them to your wet mixture. It is best to hand stir these together as it is important not to over stir the bread batter.
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Finely chop the apple and fold in.
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Transfer the bread batter to the loaf pan.
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Add date and walnut streusel to the top. Lightly press into the batter to make sure it stays on the top.
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Bake for 45 minutes to one hour. Insert a toothpick into the center to make sure the bread is cooked thoroughly. *Removing the bread from the oven before it is completely baked will cause the center to sink.*
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Allow the bread to fully cool before slicing.
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Enjoy fresh apple bread or slice the bread and freeze for an easy, healthy and quick heat-and-eat breakfast or snack.
Date & Walnut Streusel Topping
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Add dates and walnuts to food processor and blend until crumbly.
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Add cinnamon and almond extract. Blend until everything is combined.
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Sprinkle on top of the bread.