Whole Wheat Almond Banana Bread with Coffee Cake Topping

I adapted this gorgeous recipe from the lovely Kate. I added some personal touches to make it my own..  As with most recipes I chose, the preparation is easy as can be, and only one mixing bowl is needed. The bread is the perfect mix of healthy and utterly scrumptious, perfect as a take along snack or an energizing grab and go breakfast.

In a large bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup homemade applesauce with 1/2 cup honey (local is best!) 

In a smaller bowl,  mash well 2-3 very ripe bananas, then add them to the honey-sweetened applesauce and mix well.

Now add the following ingredients and mix until combined:

2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour plus 1/2 cup high fiber hot cereal ( I used Bob's Red Mill), 7-8 smashed toasted almonds.

Once mixed, add 1 tsp baking soda to 1/4 cup boiling water, stir quickly then add to the mixture and whisk until fully integrated.

Pour batter into a greased bunt cake pan or a 9 x 5 bread loaf pan. Now sprinkle a simple cinnamon and brown sugar topping over the batter.

Bake at 325 for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean. Transfer bread to a plate or wire rack and allow to cool for about 20 minutes prior to slicing.