A Loaf Worth Slowing Down For
Think of these as a nostalgic nod to banana bread, crossed with the texture and shape of enriched tea loaves. The twist? There’s no flour, no butter, no eggs, and no sugar. Just ripe bananas, mashed sweet potato, warming spices, and a bit of oven alchemy.
Baked as braided rolls or soft rounds, they’re moist yet structured, earthy yet fragrant. And when topped with wild blueberries or thin apple slices (PM only), they turn into a quiet celebration of healing, heritage, and hands-on baking.
Yes, it’s possible. More than that—it’s memorable.
Ingredients
Loaf Base
- 1 cup very ripe banana, mashed
- 1 cup cooked and mashed white or orange sweet potato
- ¾ cup cassava flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cardamom
- ¼ tsp clove
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp baking soda (optional, if allowed in your protocol)
- ½ cup filtered water, adjust for dough-like texture
Toppings (PM Only)
- Handful of wild blueberries (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- Thin apple slices, fanned or nested
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or prep mini loaf molds.
- In a bowl, mix mashed banana and sweet potato until smooth.
- Add cassava flour, spices, salt, and lemon juice. Mix until a pliable dough forms.
- Add water a bit at a time—aim for dough that holds shape but isn’t dry.
- Divide dough into 4–6 pieces. Shape into:
- Braided mini loaves (roll into strands and braid)
- Or rustic rounds (form small boule shapes)
- Press a few blueberries or apple slices gently into the tops.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until golden, firm, and lightly cracked on top.
- Let cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.
To Serve
- Enjoy warm or room temperature.
- Best paired with herbal tea—chamomile, fennel, or cinnamon blends.
- Store in a sealed container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Toast slices lightly to rewarm.
Notes from the Kitchen
- The banana-sweet potato combo mimics the sweetness and softness of traditional banana bread.
- Cassava flour gives enough hold for shaping without needing grains or eggs.
- Feel free to add a pinch of vanilla bean or orange zest to the dough for variation.
These mini loaves are quietly festive—something to make with your hands when you want to create more than just food. They’re proof that comfort and compliance can live in the same bite.
