This Healthy Banana Bread recipe is a delightful treat that you can enjoy any time of the day. With its low sugar content and no oil, each slice is just over 100 calories, making it a guilt-free choice for breakfast or a snack. The combination of ripe bananas results in an incredibly moist texture and natural sweetness that will please everyone. Whether you’re serving it at brunch or need a quick pick-me-up, this bread is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Calorie Delight: At just over 100 calories per slice, this bread allows you to indulge without the guilt.
- Natural Sweetness: Made with ripe bananas, it offers a naturally sweet flavor without excessive added sugars.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, perfect for busy days.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Great as a breakfast option or an afternoon snack, it pairs well with nut butter or yogurt.
- Healthy Ingredients: Using wholesome components ensures you’re treating your body right while enjoying something delicious.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make the preparation easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Wire cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf pan: A good quality loaf pan ensures even baking, giving you that perfect shape and texture.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps in separating dry and wet ingredients efficiently.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in your Healthy Banana Bread.
Ingredients
This EASY Healthy Banana Bread recipe is made with low sugar, no oil, and is just over 100 calories per slice. It still yields incredibly moist, perfectly sweet, and delicious bread!
For the Bread
- 4 bananas, about 1 1/3 cups, mashed (320 g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract (15 ml)
- 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar (38 g)
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar (25 g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.6 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (4 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (5 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 g)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, white or white-whole wheat (180 g)
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or substitute applesauce) (28 g butter or 30 g applesauce)
How to Make Healthy Banana Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Grease a standard 9×5” loaf pan. Lining the bottom with parchment paper can help prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir well until combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the banana mixture and stir gently until just combined.
Step 4: Add Butter
Gently mix in the melted butter until it’s evenly incorporated into the batter.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes before transferring it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious Healthy Banana Bread!
How to Serve Healthy Banana Bread
Healthy Banana Bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer it as a breakfast option or a delightful snack, there are plenty of creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With Nut Butter
- Peanut butter: Spread creamy peanut butter on a warm slice for extra protein and flavor.
- Almond butter: A great alternative for those who enjoy a nutty twist.
Topped with Fresh Fruits
- Sliced strawberries: Add fresh strawberries for a sweet and tart contrast.
- Banana slices: Enhance the banana flavor by layering slices on top.
As a Toast
- Avocado toast style: Mash avocado on top for a savory-sweet combination.
- Cottage cheese spread: Use cottage cheese for added creaminess and protein.
Served with Yogurt
- Greek yogurt dip: Pair with Greek yogurt for a healthy and filling snack.
- Flavored yogurt: Use fruit-flavored yogurt for additional sweetness and flavor.
How to Perfect Healthy Banana Bread
To achieve the best results with your Healthy Banana Bread, follow these helpful tips. These suggestions will ensure your bread turns out perfectly moist and delicious every time.
- Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister your bread will be.
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the bread tender and fluffy.
- Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done baking.
- Cool properly: Allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
Best Side Dishes for Healthy Banana Bread
When enjoying Healthy Banana Bread, consider pairing it with complementary side dishes. These options can elevate your meal or snack experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and nutrients to your meal.
- Greek Yogurt: High in protein, Greek yogurt provides creaminess that balances the sweetness of banana bread.
- Nut Mix: A handful of mixed nuts offers crunch and healthy fats, perfect alongside your slice.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal makes for a hearty breakfast when served with banana bread on the side.
- Smoothie: Pairing with a fruit smoothie creates a filling breakfast or snack option packed with vitamins.
- Chia Pudding: This healthy pudding adds texture and is rich in omega-3s, making it an excellent side dish choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making banana bread can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them:
Bold bananas: Using overly ripe bananas is key. If your bananas aren’t spotty and soft, the flavor and sweetness will be lacking.
Bold measuring flour: Always spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping. Scooping can compact the flour, leading to dry bread.
Bold mixing too much: Overmixing the batter can cause dense bread. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light texture.
Bold baking time confusion: Keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. Ovens vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early with a toothpick.
Bold skipping cooling time: Allowing the banana bread to cool in the pan helps set its structure. Don’t rush this step for better slices.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store banana bread in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh and moist.
Freezing Healthy Banana Bread
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating Healthy Banana Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet on low heat, cover to warm evenly without drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
When making healthy banana bread, you might have some questions. Here are answers to common queries:
What makes this Healthy Banana Bread different?
This Healthy Banana Bread recipe is lower in sugar and calories compared to traditional recipes, yet it remains incredibly moist and flavorful.
Can I substitute ingredients in Healthy Banana Bread?
Yes! You can use applesauce instead of butter or adjust sugars based on your preference for sweetness.
How can I make Healthy Banana Bread gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour for a gluten-free version of this Healthy Banana Bread.
What can I add to enhance Healthy Banana Bread?
Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
How should I store Healthy Banana Bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it if you plan to keep it longer than a few days.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Banana Bread recipe is not only easy but also versatile. You can customize it with various mix-ins or spices to suit your taste. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack, so give it a try!
Healthy Banana Bread
Enjoy this moist and delicious Healthy Banana Bread recipe that’s low in sugar and calories. Try making it today!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas (about 1 1/3 cups, mashed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (white or white-whole wheat)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or substitute applesauce)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the egg, vanilla extract, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the melted butter until evenly incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 18mg