This Healthy Banana Bread is moist and fluffy, packed with ripe bananas, and a hint of cinnamon. It’s a tasty way to use up those overripe bananas on your counter!
You won’t believe it’s healthy, but it really is! I like to enjoy mine warm with a smudge of peanut butter—delish! Plus, it’s a great snack for any time of the day.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread because they add natural sweetness. If you don’t have overripe bananas, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a paper bag with an apple.
Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce acts as a great fat replacement. If you prefer not to use applesauce, try using yogurt or mashed avocado for moisture.
Sweeteners: Honey adds a rich flavor, but you can easily swap it for maple syrup if you like a vegan option. Both work great in the recipe!
Coconut Oil: This ingredient brings a lovely flavor, but you can substitute it with unsalted butter or canola oil if that’s what you have.
Flours: Whole wheat flour adds fiber, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, oat flour is a great alternative and works beautifully in this recipe!
Nuts & Chocolate Chips: Walnuts or pecans add crunch, but feel free to skip them or switch for almonds. If you love chocolate, dark chocolate chips make a delicious addition. Use carob chips for a caffeine-free option!
How Do You Ensure a Moist and Delicious Banana Bread?
The key to moist banana bread lies in the balance of wet and dry ingredients. Mixing your wet ingredients well is crucial to get a consistent batter. Combine the bananas, applesauce, honey, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth before adding dry ingredients.
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients to avoid overmixing, which can make your bread tough.
- Check for doneness after 50 minutes. If a toothpick comes out wet, give it a few more minutes.
- Let the bread cool in the pan to lock in moisture, then transfer to a wire rack.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to baking a banana bread that stays soft and flavorful! Enjoy every bite!
How to Make Healthy Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 overripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This healthy banana bread recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 50 to 60 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious banana bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important to ensure your banana bread bakes evenly. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a fork or whisk to mix these ingredients well until everything is combined and smooth.
3. Whisk the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Make sure to mix well so that the leavening agent (baking soda) is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
5. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’d like to add some crunch or sweetness, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and/or the dark chocolate chips at this stage. This is where you can personalize your banana bread!
6. Pour and Smooth the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly.
7. Bake the Bread:
Pop the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. To check if your bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your banana bread is ready!
8. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help it stay fluffy and not get soggy.
9. Slice and Serve:
When your banana bread is completely cool, slice it up and enjoy! It makes a perfect snack or breakfast treat. Enjoy your healthy creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour with oat flour for a gluten-free option. Keep in mind that oat flour might yield a slightly denser texture. If using all-purpose flour, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly as it’s less absorbent than whole wheat flour.
How to Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave for a quick treat!
Can I Substitute Honey with Something Else?
Yes, you can replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option. If you prefer not to use any sweeteners, you can try reducing the amount and relying more on the natural sweetness of the bananas, but the texture may be affected.
What Can I Add to Enhance the Flavor?
Feel free to add extras like vanilla bean, nutmeg, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added flavor. You can also experiment with different nuts or seeds, such as sunflower seeds, for a crunchy texture!
