This healthy banana bread is moist and full of flavor! Made with ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, and a hint of honey, it’s a sweet treat you can feel good about.
Who can resist a slice of warm banana bread? I love enjoying it for breakfast or as a snack. It’s so easy to whip up and makes my kitchen smell amazing!
When I bake this, I like to add a handful of chopped nuts for crunch. It’s simple to make, and the leftovers (if there are any!) freeze really well!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The star of the show! The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be. You can use frozen bananas; just thaw and mash them before adding.
Coconut Oil: This adds healthy fat and a subtle flavor. If you’re not into coconut, try using unsalted butter or even avocado oil for a different twist.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both are great natural sweeteners. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, you could use agave nectar or even a sugar substitute that measures like sugar.
Whole Wheat Flour: This adds fiber and a nutty flavor. You can swap it for all-purpose flour if you’d prefer a lighter texture, but you might lose some of the health benefits.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor. Don’t have any on hand? Try sunflower seeds or omit them altogether. You can even add chocolate chips for a fun touch!
How Do I Make Sure My Banana Bread Comes Out Moist and Not Overmixed?
A common challenge with banana bread is keeping it moist while avoiding overmixing. To nail this, follow these tips:
- Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining. This helps prevent overworking the batter.
- When mixing, combine until the ingredients are just mixed. A few lumps are okay—this prevents a tough texture.
- Don’t skip the cooling step! Letting it sit in the pan for 10 minutes helps keep it moist before transferring to a rack.
Best Healthy Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Extras:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Oats or additional nuts for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 50-60 minutes to bake. So, you should plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total, plus some cooling time before you can slice into your delicious banana bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To make sure your banana bread comes out perfectly, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with some coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted coconut oil. Use a fork or a whisk to blend them together until smooth. Then, stir in the honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything well so it’s nicely combined!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and the cinnamon if you’re using it. This helps distribute the baking powder and soda evenly in the batter.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now it’s time to mix! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, but be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
5. Add Nuts and Pour into the Pan:
If you’re adding nuts, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans at this point. Then, pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. You can sprinkle some oats or extra nuts on top for a decorative touch if you’d like!
6. Bake Your Banana Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes; it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the banana bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When it’s cool, slice it up, serve, and enjoy! If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Now you’re ready to enjoy a delicious slice of healthy banana bread—perfect for breakfast or a snack! Happy baking!
Can I Use Alternative Sweeteners Instead of Honey or Maple Syrup?
Absolutely! You can substitute honey or maple syrup with agave syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar. If using granulated sugar, you may want to increase the liquid in the recipe slightly, such as adding a tablespoon of milk or water, to keep the bread moist.
Can I Make This Banana Bread Vegan?
How Can I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for a longer period, slice the bread and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months! Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What Can I Substitute for Whole Wheat Flour?
If you don’t have whole wheat flour, you can use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend. If using all-purpose flour, your bread may be slightly less dense, but it will still turn out delicious! Make sure to check the texture of the batter, as you may need to add a little extra liquid if it’s too thick.
