I have felt so busy with life lately that this poor blog has suffered.  My new recipes tend to stay written on sticky notes and attached to my cupboard door, instead of getting posted here so I don’t lose them.  Chicken marinades, black bean hummus, amazing mashed potatoes and more…all stuck to my cupboard.  🙁  I also realized I haven’t been reposting my Somewhat Simple posts, which is sad because they are some of my favorite posts!  I give them the most thought since I have an entire month in between, so I can’t just ignore them here!

I don’t just love this recipe because it’s delicious, totally kid-friendly, and easy to make…but I also feel super flattered because my picture is featured on the home page slider of Somewhat Simple!

This is still really fun for me!  Am I lame?  Probably.  Do I care?  Not enough to stop from shamelessly self-promoting my picture.  🙂

Banana bread is one of my kids’ faves.  Our recipe has evolved over the years, and it’s only become healthier and better tasting!  Especially with the simple but decadent maple & white chocolate icing. This is our favorite banana bread recipe because it goes together fast, it’s lower in fat than most banana bread recipes, and it’s moist without being sticky.  Win-win-win!

The baby bundt size is perfect for kids, and perfect for sharing! I found my pan (that makes 6 baby bundt cakes) at Michael’s, (and I used a 40% off coupon to buy it!). I use an ice cream scoop to fill the bundt cavities, which makes it quick and keeps it clean. My kids think it’s so fun to have their own personal mini cake!

The icing is such a great addition to the banana bread. It adds richness to it without overpowering the sweet banana flavor. If you like a strong maple flavor, add up to 1 tsp total. I think it’s just right with 1/2 tsp, but my husband, who loves all things maple, is happier with 1 tsp.

Ingredients:

• 5 well-ripened bananas
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (softened if necessary)
• 3/4 cup applesauce
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp salt
• 4 cups flour

For the Icing:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 5 Tbsp butter
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1/2 tsp maple flavor (up to 1 tsp for stronger flavor)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare pans with non-stick spray.
2. In mixer bowl, add eggs and beat well. Add bananas and beat until bananas are mashed and mixture is smooth. Add shortening, applesauce and sugar and combine. Add baking soda, salt and flour and mix well.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to finish cooling.
5. While banana bread is baking, prepare the icing by adding the sugar, butter and milk to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly as it comes to a boil, 3-4 minutes. Continue stirring as the mixture boils for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
6. Add the white chocolate chips and maple flavor and stir until the chips are melted and the icing is smooth.
7. Pour slowly over the top of the bundt cakes, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. Cool and enjoy!