So I couldn’t decide on a name for this so here’s a collection of names & you can choose which one tickles your fancy…

?Lower Sugar Banana Loaf ?
?Hidden Veggies Banana Loaf ?
?Banana & Courgette Loaf?
?Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Loaf?

The brief was a deliciously soft & cake like banana loaf but using the sweetness of bananas instead of tonnes of sugar, I wanted to include hidden veggies like courgettes that are in season but that I don’t particularly like. I also wanted to increase the fibre content as much as possible without compromising the flavour of the cake. You guys I’ve not lost my touch, this one is an absolute cracker!

Ok you get the idea, on to the important part - the recipe!

2 very ripe bananas (don’t use under ripe bananas or your cake won’t be sweet enough)
1 medium courgette
2 large eggs
80g coconut sugar (or soft light brown sugar)
100g sunflower/rapeseed or vegetable oil
100g wholemeal flour
100g self raising flour
1tsp baking powder

(Optional extras but recommend. I used them all!)
1tsp ground cinnamon
1/2tsp ground allspice
25g choc chips
25g walnuts

Mash your bananas until really smooth - you want almost a banana paste to avoid squishy banana bits that make your cake stodgy.

To the mashed banana add the eggs, oil & sugar. Give this a really good mix - bonus points if you can be bothered to whisk it up so it makes little bubbles (this will make your cake more light & fluffy).

Next grate your unpeeled courgette & add this to the egg/banana mixture.

Gently fold in the flour, baking powder & spices (if you’re using them).

Finally fold in any additional extras you’re using eg the nuts & choc chips.

Transfer the mixture to a large loaf tin & bake in a preheated oven at 170’c for approx 40mins or until a skewer comes out clean & the top springs back if you press it gently.

Leave to cool in the tin for at least 30 minutes before trying to take it out - trust me, any sooner & it falls to bits ? if you can’t wait that long 10mins in the fridge will do the job. Then allow it to cool out of the tin on a wire wrack for another 30mins. It’s extra delicious slightly warm with some butter spread on ?