Introduction:
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of this Healthy Banana Bread! Made with ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, and natural sweeteners, this nutritious twist on a classic favorite offers a moist, delicious treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a guilt-free dessert. Enjoy the comfort of banana bread without compromising on health!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with fiber and natural sweetness.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
- Perfect for Any Time: Great for a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas
- ½ cup coconut oil or olive oil
- ¼ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, ¼ cup dark chocolate chips, or ¼ cup dried fruit
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Bananas:
- In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or olive oil), honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the mashed bananas.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine and Fold:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in any optional add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit if using.
- Pour and Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Overripe bananas work great.
- Oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle flavor, but you can use olive oil or another mild oil if preferred.
- Add-ins: Customize with your favorite mix-ins or keep it simple for a classic banana bread.
Recipe Variations:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of whole wheat flour.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the honey or maple syrup to 2 tablespoons for a less sweet bread.
- Vegan Option: Substitute flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) for the eggs.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy a warm slice with a pat of almond butter or Greek yogurt.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a wholesome breakfast or snack.
- Pair with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a relaxing treat.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before slicing.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in a toaster or oven for a few minutes to enjoy it warm.
Special Equipment:
- Loaf Pan: A 9×5-inch pan is ideal for baking this banana bread.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
FAQ:
- Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour or spelt flour as alternatives, but the texture and nutritional content may vary. - Can I make mini loaves?
Certainly! Divide the batter among mini loaf pans and reduce the baking time to about 30-40 minutes. - Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw and drain the frozen bananas before using them in the recipe.
Preparation Time:
- 10 minutes for prep work and mixing.
Cook Time:
- 50-60 minutes for baking.
Total Time:
- 1 hour 10 minutes (including prep and cook time).
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 12 servings):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 12g
Healthy Banana Bread
- Total Time: 0 hours
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ripe bananas
- ½ cup coconut oil or olive oil
- ¼ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, ¼ cup dark chocolate chips, or ¼ cup dried fruit
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Bananas:
- In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or olive oil), honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the mashed bananas.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine and Fold:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in any optional add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit if using.
- Pour and Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes for baking
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 4g
Closing Notes:
Have you tried this Healthy Banana Bread? Share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your homemade creations and check back for more wholesome recipes.
