Looking for a banana bread that’s as wholesome as it is delicious? This Healthy Banana Bread is naturally sweetened, made with clean ingredients, and bakes up moist and flavorful every time.
Whether you’re trying to cut back on sugar, reduce processed ingredients, or just eat more mindfully, this recipe delivers all the comfort of classic banana bread—without the guilt. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a healthy dessert!
Ingredients:
- 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or olive oil)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups white whole wheat flour (or regular whole wheat)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Whisk in the eggs, melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), applesauce, and vanilla until fully combined.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
- Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt over the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
Step 5: Add Optional Mix-ins
- If using nuts or dark chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Variation:
- Vegan version: Use flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed + 6 tbsp water) and maple syrup.
- Nut-free: Skip nuts and add seeds or dried fruit instead.
- High-protein: Stir in 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder and reduce flour slightly.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend.
COOKING Note:
Make sure bananas are fully ripe (brown spots are best) for natural sweetness and moisture. The riper the banana, the better the flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Topped with nut butter: Almond or peanut butter adds healthy fat and flavor.
- For breakfast: Pair with Greek yogurt and berries.
- As a snack: Slice and pack in lunchboxes or keep for mid-afternoon cravings.
- Light dessert: Drizzle with a touch of honey or melted dark chocolate.
Tips:
- Do not overmix the batter—this can make the bread dense.
- For extra banana flavor, add ½ teaspoon banana extract.
- Store wrapped at room temp for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week.
- Freeze slices individually for quick grab-and-go options.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per slice, approx. 10 slices):
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fat: ~7g
- Sugar: ~8g (from bananas and natural sweetener)
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sodium: ~160mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary with ingredients.
❓FAQs
Can I make this without oil?
- Yes, you can replace the oil with more applesauce, though the texture will be slightly less rich.
Is it sweet enough without sugar?
- Yes—ripe bananas and a bit of maple syrup provide natural sweetness.
Can I make muffins with this batter?
- Absolutely! Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes in a muffin tin.
Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat?
- Yes, all-purpose flour works well. For added fiber, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose.
Does it taste like traditional banana bread?
- Yes! It’s just as moist and flavorful, with less sugar and more wholesome ingredients.
Conclusion:
This Healthy Banana Bread recipe proves that better-for-you baking can still be absolutely delicious. Naturally sweet, fiber-rich, and perfectly moist, it’s the kind of treat you’ll feel good about making—and even better about eating.
Keep this recipe on hand for a guilt-free indulgence that your whole family will love.