7 Steps to Make Oreo Banana Loaf for a Festive World Environment Day

World Environment Day is the perfect occasion to reflect on our impact on the planet, and what better way to celebrate than by baking a delicious dessert that champions sustainability and mindful consumption? Enter this Oreo banana loaf festive recipe, a moist, rich, and slightly indulgent treat made with overripe bananas and everyone’s favorite cookie. It’s the ideal balance of flavor and festivity, using pantry staples and ingredients that minimize food waste. Whether you're hosting an eco themed get together or enjoying a quiet moment with a slice and a cup of tea, this banana loaf delivers comfort with a conscience. So here's a step by step guide to crafting your very own Oreo banana loaf for World Environment Day.

Before you begin, consider where your ingredients come from. Local and organic options reduce your carbon footprint, and using up browning bananas prevents waste.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (the more speckled, the better)
• 1/2 cup neutral oil (sunflower, avocado, or melted coconut oil)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar or jaggery
• 1/4 cup plant based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose or whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 10 crushed Oreo cookies (plus 2 more for topping)

Method:

1. Line a pan with parchment paper. Avoid disposable liners if possible. Instead, grease a loaf pan with oil or plant based butter and line it with reusable baking parchment or use a silicone baking mat. This cuts down on single use waste and creates a more sustainable baking practice.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until creamy. The natural sugars and moisture from overripe bananas make this loaf moist and flavorful and they're an excellent way to use fruit that might otherwise be tossed.
3. Add the oil, sugar, vanilla extract, and plant based milk to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined. This wet base forms the foundation for your rich, moist loaf.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures that your leavening agent is evenly distributed and avoids clumps of dry ingredients in your batter.
5. For an even more nutrient rich version, substitute half the flour with almond flour or oat flour. These not only increase fiber content but also contribute a nutty depth to the flavor profile.
6. Pour the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and fold gently. Avoid overmixing because doing so can make the loaf dense rather than fluffy. Once just combined, add your crushed Oreos.
7. Pour your batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Crumble a few more Oreos over the top for a delicious crust. You can also add sliced banana or chopped nuts if desired.
8. Bake at 175C or 350F for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, but a few moist crumbs are fine. Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking. Avoid opening the oven frequently, as this can disrupt the temperature and affect rise and texture.
9. Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Cooling it properly helps the flavors settle and prevents sogginess.
10. Once cool, slice and serve with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream, or enjoy as is.
11. Share it with friends and family as part of a zero waste potluck, or wrap slices in reusable wraps as eco conscious gifts. This loaf keeps well for 4 days at room temperature and even longer refrigerated.

Tips:

• Use ripe bananas since they are softer and more mushy and will mix into the batter more easily. The more speckled and blackened your bananas, the better it is for baking.
• Use any dairy free milk like almond, soy or oat, or any other. You can also use a flavored milk like vanilla almond milk, but that will bring a sweetness to the batter, so adjust the sugar you’re adding on top.
• Compost your banana peels and coffee grounds from your baking session.
• Use recycled paper for handwritten recipes or tags if gifting your loaf.
• Clean up using cloth towels instead of paper napkins.
• Encourage conversation about sustainability while enjoying your creation.