I have a bit of a crush on maple syrup and to start the maple syrup season off I’m sharing one of my new favourite loaf recipes, which of course, includes maple syrup and a maple granola. I also kind of have a new rule about loaves and muffins that Im sharing with all of you; if the recipe is not going to make enough for my family to enjoy and share with guests (or freeze for a later date) I’m not making it. So I’ve made this a two-loaf recipe for that reason. As a mom of two, I don’t have time to bake everyday. Who am I kidding; I didn’t have time to bake everyday before kids, now it’s just crazy talk. But we do really love freshly baked goods over here at our house and I also love sharing them with friends. So it’s crucial that any recipe I develop, or try, makes enough for the whole family and some to share with friends.

Maple syrup might be a bit of an obsession for me. I literally put that _ _ _ _ on everything! From salad dressings to baked goods and of course, pancakes; maple syrup is a staple at our house! We started taking our oldest to the maple syrup festival last year and it will probably become a tradition for us. We love learning the history and process of making maple syrup and obviously the sampling. This recipe incorporates maple syrup to add a unique flavour and sweetness. The granola gives it a delicious crunch and the syrup also helps to keep the loaf moist.

Maple Granola Banana Bread

INGREDIENTS

• 4 ripe bananas
• 2 cups white flour
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup butter softened
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 4 eggs
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• ½ cup granola (for crust)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Butter and flour two 9 x 5 inch loaf pans.
3. Mash bananas.
4. Combine flours, baking soda, baking powder and salt in one bowl (set aside).
5. Mix eggs, sugar, maple syrup and butter until well combined.
6. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix well.
7. Add bananas and fold in walnuts.
8. Pour batter into pans dividing evenly between two loaf pans.
9. Sprinkle granola on top of the batter and pat down gently to form a crust.
10. Bake for 55 min on the centre rack.
11. Let stand for at least 20 -30 minutes to cool before serving.

Enjoy!

xo