Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
This banana bread recipe delivers all the comforting flavors you love, but with a healthier twist. It’s lower in sugar and fat, packed with whole grains, and still incredibly moist and delicious. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a guilt-free dessert.
Ingredients
- 3-4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup chocolate chips (optional, use dark chocolate for extra health benefits)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. A few small chunks are fine.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the baking soda and spices.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough bread. A few streaks of flour are okay.
- Add Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts/pecans and chocolate chips (if using).
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice & Enjoy: Slice and enjoy your healthy banana bread!
Tips for a Healthier Banana Bread
- Ripe Bananas are Key: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister your bread will be, allowing you to use less added sugar. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots.
- Applesauce for Moisture: Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and sweetness without the added fat and calories.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Using whole wheat flour increases the fiber content, making it more filling and nutritious. You can use 100% whole wheat or a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose.
- Control the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey to your liking. You can even use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for an even lower sugar option.
- Healthy Add-ins: Add nuts for healthy fats and protein. Dark chocolate chips provide antioxidants. Consider adding flax seeds or chia seeds for extra fiber and omega-3s.
Enjoy this healthier take on classic banana bread! It’s a satisfying and nourishing treat that you can feel good about eating.
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