ABC Loaf (Apricot, Banana and Chocolate Chip Loaf)

I have had really busy week this week so wanted to bake a loaf that my children could take to babysitters or friends houses for an after school snack.  This ABC Loaf is quick to make and full of fibre with only a little sugar so won't send kids running about like mad things on a sugar high.

ABC Loaf (Apricot, Banana and Chocolate Chip Loaf)

310ml buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 large free range eggs

2 large over-ripe bananas, mashed

150g white self raising flour

150g wholemeal flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon
110g Demerara or raw sugar

120g dried apricots, diced

80g dark chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 180C/160C Fan.  Grease and line a large loaf tin, mine measures approximately 22cm x 10cm x 7cm.

In a large bowl combine the buttermilk, vanilla, eggs and mashed banana.  Sift the flours, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and cinnamon over the top then add the sugar, diced apricots and chocolate chips.  Using a metal spoon, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined.  Do not beat the mixture or your loaf will be heavy.

Spoon the mixture into your prepared loaf tin.  Bake for 50 - 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.  Leave the loaf to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out on to a wire rack to cool completely.