Generously grease two regular loaf pans or four small ones. The small ones cook a little more evenly and more quickly.
In a mixing bowl, beat ripe bananas until they are well-mushed. Add lemon juice, oil, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, flax "eggs", and orange rind, if adding. Mix together until combined.
In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients, except for chocolate chips and pecans.
Add dry ingredients to the large bowl of liquid ingredients and stir together just until combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips, if using.
Spoon batter evenly into the loaf pans and decorate each with the whole, raw pecans.
Bake for about 30 minutes, checking if it cooked through using a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it's cooked.
Let sit in pan for a few minutes and then turn out on a rack to cool thoroughly. Best if cool before slicing.The flavour actually improves with waiting a few hours! Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
These small loaves make great gifts and you can easily make a variety of flavour combinations by adding different nuts or chopped fruits, such as apricots! They are all delicious and are wonderful toasted!
Welcome! I hope I can inspire you to find joy in creating beautiful, delicious, plant-based food in your own kitchen! I am about speaking out for love and compassion; about making a little necessary noise to promote greater understanding and connection; about knowing better and then doing better, because we must; and about making a difference with every mindful choice. Here, may you find inspiration for your heart and palate!