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!
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover a loaf pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
* Make date topping and set aside. See instructions below. *
In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and salt. Set aside.
Using a stand or handheld mixer, add the ripe bananas to the bowl. Mix on medium until the bananas are smooth.
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.
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.
Finely chop the apple and fold in.
Transfer the bread batter to the loaf pan.
Add date and walnut streusel to the top. Lightly press into the batter to make sure it stays on the top.
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.*
Allow the bread to fully cool before slicing.
Enjoy fresh apple bread or slice the bread and freeze for an easy, healthy and quick heat-and-eat breakfast or snack.
Add dates and walnuts to food processor and blend until crumbly.
Add cinnamon and almond extract. Blend until everything is combined.
Sprinkle on top of the bread.