Craving something warm and comforting? This easy healthy banana bread recipe is your answer! We’re transforming classic banana bread into a wholesome treat using whole grains and natural sweeteners.
Get ready for a delicious, moist, and fluffy loaf that tastes incredibly indulgent without the guilt. This one-bowl wonder comes together with basic pantry ingredients, making it simple for any beginner baker.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
This isn’t just any banana bread; it’s designed for ease and deliciousness. Here’s why you’ll adore this simple healthy banana bread recipe:
- It’s a true one-bowl wonder, minimizing cleanup.
- Made with wholesome whole grains for added nutrition. According to the Mayo Clinic, incorporating whole grains into your diet can offer significant health benefits.
- Naturally sweetened, avoiding refined sugars entirely.
- Delivers an incredibly moist, fluffy texture and rich banana flavor.
- Perfect for a satisfying breakfast, a quick snack, or even dessert.
- Easily adaptable to fit various dietary needs and preferences.
- Loved by both kids and adults, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your moist and flavorful healthy banana bread recipe:
- ⅓ cup (75 grams) melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil or high quality vegetable oil
- ½ cup honey (168 grams) or maple syrup (155 grams)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (225 grams) mashed ripe bananas (about 2 ½ medium or 2 large bananas)
- ¼ cup (56 grams) milk of choice or water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (NOT baking powder)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more to swirl on top
- 1 ¾ cups (220 grams) white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour
- Totally optional: ½ cup mix-ins like chopped walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, raisins, chopped dried fruit, fresh banana slices
Notes & Substitutions
- You have flexibility with many of these ingredients. For oils, a neutral option like melted coconut or extra-virgin olive oil works well.
- Choose between honey or maple syrup as your natural sweetener. For flour, white whole wheat is great, but all-purpose, gluten-free blend, oat, or spelt flour can also work.
- If you’re avoiding eggs, two flax eggs make an excellent vegan substitute. Any dairy or non-dairy milk will do.
- Always use very ripe, spotty bananas for the best flavor and moisture in your banana bread.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized equipment for this easy healthy banana bread recipe. Just grab these kitchen essentials:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula or large spoon
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake your perfect loaf of healthy banana bread recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, beat the melted oil and honey together using a whisk until well combined. Add the eggs and beat them well into the mixture. Next, whisk in the mashed ripe bananas and your chosen milk. If your coconut oil solidifies upon contact with cold ingredients, simply let the bowl rest in a warm spot for a few minutes, like on top of your stove. Alternatively, warm it for about 10 seconds in the microwave to re-melt.
- Add the baking soda, vanilla extract, salt, and ground cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Whisk everything thoroughly until it’s fully blended.
- Switch to a big spoon or a rubber spatula for the next step. Gently stir in the white whole wheat flour, mixing just until it’s combined. It’s perfectly fine if there are a few small lumps in the batter; avoid overmixing. If you’re adding any optional mix-ins, such as nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter now.
- Pour the prepared batter into your greased loaf pan. For an extra touch, sprinkle the top lightly with a little more cinnamon. If you desire a pretty swirled effect on top, gently run the tip of a knife across the batter in a zig-zag pattern.
- Bake your banana bread for 55 to 60 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Typically, if you haven’t added any mix-ins, the bread will be ready at 55 minutes. If you’ve included mix-ins, it usually needs closer to 60 minutes.
- Let the bread cool in the loaf pan for at least 10 minutes after baking. You might need to run a butter knife around the edges to help loosen the bread from the pan. Carefully transfer the warm loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Healthy Banana Bread
Achieving the best results with your healthy banana bread recipe is simple with a few helpful pointers:
- Ripe bananas are key: Always use very ripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dry bread. Stir only until just combined.
- Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour into the measuring cup to ensure accuracy.
- Adjust bake time: Ovens vary, and mix-ins can extend baking. Watch for golden brown edges.
- Test for doneness: A clean toothpick inserted into the center confirms your bread is fully baked.
- Prevent sunken middle: Ensure your baking soda is fresh to guarantee proper leavening.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Enjoy your delicious healthy banana bread recipe in many ways and store it properly for lasting freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy your slice plain, warm it up, or spread it with butter. It’s also fantastic with a dollop of nut butter or a drizzle of extra honey.
Storage:
Store leftover banana bread at room temperature, tightly covered, for up to 2-3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to one week.
Freezing Tips:
To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It stays fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Variations
- Mix-ins: Elevate your banana bread with ½ cup of walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped dried fruit.
- Muffins: This batter works wonderfully for muffins. Just reduce the baking time significantly.
- Dietary: Explore vegan options using flax eggs. For gluten-free, use a reliable gluten-free flour blend.
Nutrition Information
This healthy banana bread recipe offers a wholesome alternative to traditional versions, focusing on natural ingredients and whole grains. It provides good fiber and protein, making it a more satisfying choice for a snack or breakfast.
While specific values vary slightly, here’s an approximate breakdown per serving. This is a healthier way to enjoy your favorite comforting treat.
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 233 calories |
| Sugar Content | 18 g |
| Sodium Content | 260.6 mg |
| Fat Content | 8.9 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 6.5 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0 g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 36.3 g |
| Fiber Content | 3.1 g |
| Protein Content | 4.6 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 37.7 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this banana bread healthy?
This recipe uses whole grains and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, reducing refined sugars and increasing fiber.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing them for this recipe.
How long does healthy banana bread last?
It lasts 2-3 days at room temperature, up to a week in the fridge, or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I make this recipe vegan/gluten-free?
Yes, use flax eggs for a vegan option and a good quality gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free loaf.
What if I don’t have whole wheat flour?
You can substitute regular all-purpose flour or a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for this healthy banana bread recipe.
Conclusion
This healthy banana bread recipe proves that wholesome can be incredibly delicious. It’s perfectly moist, wonderfully fluffy, and packed with flavor, making it a true kitchen triumph for beginners and busy parents alike. Give this easy recipe a try tonight and enjoy a comforting, guilt-free treat. We can’t wait to see your creations! Share your photos and leave a review – happy baking!
The Best Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oil and honey, then add and beat the eggs, mashed bananas, and milk until combined.
- Stir in the baking soda, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon, then gently fold in the flour and any optional mix-ins until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, sprinkle with cinnamon, and create a zig-zag swirl pattern with a knife if desired.
- Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Notes
- If your coconut oil solidifies on contact with cold ingredients, warm the bowl or oil for a few seconds.
- Some lumps are acceptable when mixing in flour.
- Baking time varies; bread without mix-ins typically finishes in 55 minutes, while those with mix-ins may require closer to 60 minutes.
- Use a butter knife to help loosen the bread from the pan if needed.
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