Description
Healthy banana bread is a lighter, nutrient-rich version of the classic comfort food. Made with ripe bananas, whole grains, and natural sweeteners, it’s moist, naturally sweet, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or olive oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Add eggs, maple syrup or honey, oil, yogurt (or applesauce), and vanilla. Whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas (with brown spots) for best sweetness and moisture.To make vegan, use flax eggs and plant-based yogurt or applesauce.For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.Make into muffins by baking in a muffin tin for 18–22 minutes.Let cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
