Heaven Kneads

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When I was hit with autoimmune challenges shortly after moving to Florida, I went searching for “safe” treats. I found only a small handful of labels, lacking any “food made with love”. Most of what I tasted lacked the one thing that makes food truly special. It needed to have love, intention, and care added into the food.

At local bakeries, banana bread was one of my favorites. Then I realized how easy it was to make at home. That’s why this banana bread is one of my absolute favorites to share. It’s a bridge between my heritage and the sugar-conscious baking I do now. It’s humble and rustic. It shows that nature’s “ugliest” ingredients—those blackened, overripe bananas sitting on your counter—can become something truly divine (and nutritious!).

Baking with Intention

Whether I’m using all-purpose flour or my favorite freshly milled flour, the result is pretty similar. Freshly milled flour adds extra nutrient density and gives it more of a nutty taste. The loaf feels like a hug to me, especially in the fall with warm chai. We can achieve a deep, caramel-like sweetness by swapping refined sugar for coconut sugar. This sweetness complements the cinnamon and nutmeg perfectly.

Life is about balance. I love folding in Lily’s sugar-free chocolate chips for a bit of indulgence. I also enjoy adding chopped walnuts for that earthy, old-world crunch. Sometimes, I add some sourdough discard for additional gut-health.

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How To Make Heaven Kneads Rustic Banana Bread & Muffins

This recipe is designed to be simple and versatile. You might want a thick slice of warm bread… or a quick muffin on the go. This batter has you covered! Feel free to add any additions you’d like.

The Ingredients

The Dry Base:

• 1 ½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour (or fresh milled soft white wheat)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

The Wet Base:

• 1 ½ cups (345g) mashed overripe bananas (about 3 large or 4 medium)
• 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted (or melted coconut oil)
• ⅔ cup (135g) coconut sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp (30ml) milk of your choice

The “Heart” (Optional Add-ins):

• ½ cup Lily’s sugar-free chocolate chips OR chopped walnuts
• 1 tbsp or 1 heaping spoonful of sourdough discard

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Instructions

1. Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line a 12-count muffin tin.
2. Whisk the Dry: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. (If using fresh milled flour, ensure it’s a fine “pastry” grind).
3. Mix the Wet: In a large bowl, mash your bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, coconut sugar, egg, vanilla, sourdough discard (optional) and milk until well combined and fragrant.
4. The Gentle Fold: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet. Stir with a spatula just until the flour streaks disappear. If you’re adding Lily’s chips or walnuts, fold them in now. Do not overmix—we want a tender crumb, not a tough one!
5. Bake Time:
   • For a Loaf: Pour into your pan and bake for 45–55 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
   • For Muffins: Fill tins ¾ full and bake for 18–22 minutes.
6. Rest and Enjoy: Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack.

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Note from Aly: This recipe is a reminder that eating well doesn’t mean giving up flavor or things you love; it means finding better ways to nourish the soul. I’ve learned that caring for my body is also a way of honoring Him who created me—fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

While I bake with heart and clean ingredients to help our bodies prosper, I’m always reminded that even the best earthly bread only sustains us for a moment. Just as we use overripe bananas to create something new and life-giving, like banana bread, Jesus takes our lives and offers us the ultimate restoration. He told us, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger‘ (John 6:35).

My prayer is that as you enjoy a warm slice and take a deep breath, you feel nourished in both body and spirit. As it says in 3 John 1:2, ‘Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.’“