I know some of you don’t like to bake with pumpkin because yes, for some people the flavor of pumpkin/pumpkin spice is a bit weird. Growing up in Peru we really did not make/eat desserts from any kind of pumpkin/squash, so it took some time for me to get used to the flavor which I love now.  BUT, I want to give you some options for Fall baking season that does not include any kind of squash like this loaf packed with bananas, walnuts and maple syrup. It is really delicious and perfect to enjoy your favorite Netflix show or your cup of tea/coffee.

Why making this recipe?

* This loaf is not your usually super “wet” banana bread. It has a nice texture and not very moist which is something I do not like about recipes.

* Keeps very well even if you live in a humid place like me right now (Texas).

* Ingredients are easy to find (maybe you already have them all in your pantry right now).

* Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch or any moment of your day. Are you going on a hike? This will be the perfect snack!

* Want to start baking something that gives you Fall “vibes”? Then, this is right for you!

Let’s start baking and if you would like to watch how I made this cake, visit me on Instagram @pastry_tales

Yield one 9×5 loaf cake pan

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature

1 cup light brown sugar

2 tablespoons maple syrup

2 large eggs at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

3 large bananas, mashed

1 and 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3/4 cup – 1 cup walnuts, chopped

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Directions

1.- Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease the bottom and sides of your pan with softened butter. Set aside.

2.- In a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg. Set aside.

3.- In another bowl and using an electric mixer, beat the butter for about 2 minutes. Then, add sugar and keep mixing in medium-high speed for another 2 minutes until fluffy. Add maple syrup and mix for another minute.

4.- Add eggs one by one mixing well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.

5.- In another bowl mix: yogurt, bananas and vegetable oil.

6.- With the mixer in low speed, add in the dry ingredients in 3 additions alternating with the wet ingredients. Start with the dry ingredients, half of the wet ingredients, dry ingredients, the other half of the wet ingredients and ending with the last third part of the dry ingredients.

7.- Add in chopped walnuts and give it a quick mix.

8.- Pour batter into prepared pan and baking it for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Check your loaf after 40 minutes and if you see that the top is getting too dark, cover it slightly with a piece of foil until done.

9.- Let it cool completely and enjoy!