This Healthy Banana Bread is moist, sweet, and packed with flavor! Made with ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, and a touch of honey, it’s a guilt-free treat you’ll love.
Baking this bread always makes my kitchen smell amazing. I often slice it up for breakfast or a quick snack. Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips—because why not? 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for sweetness and moisture in this recipe. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.
Coconut oil: I love using coconut oil for its light flavor and health benefits, but you can easily substitute with unsalted butter or other oils like olive or avocado oil.
Honey or maple syrup: Both sweeteners work wonderfully, so choose what you prefer! Maple syrup gives a slightly different flavor, which I enjoy. If you need a vegan option, stick with maple syrup.
Whole wheat flour: This adds fiber and nutrients. However, for a gluten-free banana bread, almond flour works just as well. Keep in mind that almond flour might make the bread denser, which I actually like!
Nuts and chocolate chips: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor. If you’re allergic to nuts, you can skip them. As for chocolate chips, dark chocolate or even carob chips are a tasty addition that I recommend!
How Can I Ensure My Banana Bread Isn’t Dense?
To keep your banana bread light and fluffy, you need to be careful when mixing. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect texture:
- Use ripe bananas. The riper, the better! They should have brown spots.
- Mix wet ingredients together first, then add to the dry ingredients.
- Only mix until just combined after adding the flour. Over-mixing can make the bread dense.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Following these steps will help you create a delicious and soft banana bread every time! Enjoy making it!
How to Make Healthy Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 50-60 minutes of baking. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, making the total time around 1 hour and 15 minutes. You’ll have a delightful loaf of healthy banana bread ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal later. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleaning up a breeze!
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a mixing bowl, take those ripe bananas and mash them up with a fork until they’re nice and smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and tastier your bread will be, so don’t be afraid to go for those dark spots!
3. Mix in Wet Ingredients:
Stir in the melted coconut oil (or butter) until it’s well mixed. Then add the honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you get a nice, combined mixture—this is where the flavor starts to build!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if you’re using it) along with the whole wheat flour. This will help distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference!
5. Mix it Together:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. It’s important not to over-mix, as this will help keep your banana bread soft and fluffy.
6. Add the Extras:
If you’d like, this is the time to fold in the chopped nuts and dark chocolate chips. They add a delicious crunch and rich chocolatey flavor, but you can skip them if you prefer a simpler bread!
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. You’re almost there—just a little bit longer!
8. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it comes out with wet batter, give it a few more minutes and check again.
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it to firm up and makes it easier to slice.
Enjoy your healthy banana bread as a tasty snack or breakfast treat!
Can I Use Other Sweeteners Besides Honey or Maple Syrup?
Absolutely! You can use agave nectar, brown sugar, or coconut sugar as substitutes. Just keep in mind that different sweeteners have different sweetness levels, so you may need to adjust the quantity accordingly to suit your taste.
Can I Make This Banana Bread Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken). This helps to bind the ingredients together just like an egg would.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Flour?
Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option or use all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the type of flour used.
