This healthy banana bread is moist and full of flavor, made with ripe bananas and whole grain flour. It’s the perfect snack or breakfast treat that won’t weigh you down!
Plus, it’s so easy to make! My secret? I love adding a sprinkle of nuts for a little crunch. Who doesn’t sneak a slice while it’s still warm? 🍌💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The bananas should be well-ripened for sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, place them in a paper bag for a day to speed up the ripening process.
Coconut Oil or Unsalted Butter: Coconut oil adds a subtle flavor, but if you’re not a fan, butter is a perfect substitute. You can also try avocados for a healthier fat option.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both sweeteners work great! If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup is my go-to. Agave syrup is another alternative if you’re looking for something less thick.
Whole Wheat Flour: This adds fiber and nuttiness. If you prefer, use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend, but remember it may change the texture a bit.
Walnuts or Pecans: These nuts add crunch and flavor. If allergies are a concern, try pumpkin seeds or skip the nuts entirely!
How Do I Mix Ingredients Without Overmixing?
Mixing incorporates air, but too much can lead to a tough bread. Here’s how to avoid that:
- Combine the wet ingredients well before adding dry ones.
- When adding flour, mix until just combined, and don’t worry about lumps; they will bake out.
- Use a spatula to fold in nuts when necessary to keep the mixture light.
Remember, thick batters need a gentle touch to keep them fluffy, so be careful with your mixing technique!
How to Make Healthy Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup oats for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This healthy banana bread recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying fresh banana bread in about an hour and 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or a delicious breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bread bakes evenly. While it heats up, grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Then, add the melted coconut oil (or butter), honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the dry stuff! Sprinkle in the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir until just combined. Make sure not to overmix, as this will keep your banana bread nice and fluffy.
4. Incorporate the Whole Wheat Flour:
Gradually add the whole wheat flour to your banana mixture. Gently stir it in until everything is just mixed. If you’re using walnuts or pecans, fold them in carefully to distribute them evenly without overmixing.
5. Pour and Prepare to Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. If you’d like, sprinkle some oats on top for added texture and crunch. It looks nice too!
6. Bake the Bread:
Now, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your banana bread is ready!
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your deliciously healthy banana bread!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses whole wheat flour for added nutrition, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just be aware that using different flour types may change the texture slightly, so adjust baking time if necessary.
Can I Substitute the Sweetener?
Yes! If you prefer not to use honey or maple syrup, you can substitute it with agave nectar or a sugar substitute of your choice, but make sure to follow the equivalent measurements. Keep in mind that the sweetness may vary!
How to Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store your leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or seeds. Just remember to keep the quantity similar to the chopped nuts (about 1/2 cup) to maintain the balance of the recipe.
