Dairy-Free Cherry Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

I am a sucker for old linens. In fact, my nickname should be the linen lady. I don't know why but I just love old table linens. These mid-century gingham tablecloths remind me of the good old summer picnic days where grandma would pull out her linens to inspire whatever season or holiday was near. 

This late mid century round checkered tablecloth inspired me to do something with seasonal fruit that boasts the lovely picnic vibes. After a leftover smoothie event, I had about 29 bananas and a cup full of cherries that needed to be used, so wha-lah inspiration for a brand new recipe that is more naturally sweet. 

Since I don't like to waste food, I decided to check my cabinets and noticed only 1/4 cup of chocolate chips were left. Why not combine cherries and chocolate into banana bread? 

I love tablecloths. I love chocolate. I love fruit. It's as if love is the true inspiration for this recipe. 

"Cherries are the luckiest of all fruit. They are never far from the one they love."

This MCM tablecloth and many other vintage items available for purchase on my Etsy shop, The Elizabethan Closet. For more vintage items, let's connect above on the Instagram account!

Dairy-Free Cherry Chocolate Chip Banana Bread 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: 32-40 minutes

Ingredients: 
2 cups pastry flour
1 tsp baking soda
1tsp baking powder
3 large ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 cup non dairy milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 - 1/2 heap cup cherries, halved
1/4 cup chocolate chips

Directions: 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

In a bowl, mash the bananas and mix together the bananas, milk, syrup and vanilla until well combined. Next, add in the flour, baking soda and powder powder and fold until you form a well-combined dough. Fold in the chocolate chips (add up to 1/2 cup for a sweeter bread). 

Next, spray a bread pan or an 8 or 9 inch round pie pan. Add the dough and spread evenly into the pan. Halve or pit the cherries. Add the cherries into the top of the dough. Press them slightly into the dough to be visible, but to have the cherries in the center or bottom, press cherries firmly into the dough and use the spatula to cover the holes. 

Bake for 32-40 minutes. Use the poke test by inserting a knife into the center of the pan. If the knife comes out clean that indicates the bread is cooked through.  

Let's Connect! Discover more banana and cherry recipes below! 

1970's Style Cherry Cheesecake Gone Vegan - Two Ways!

Vegan & Gluten Free Apple Cherry (Blossom) Almond Bread

Chocolate PB Banana Oatmeal Pancakes