Healthy Banana Bread

This Healthy Banana Bread recipe is a delightful treat that you can enjoy any time of the day. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this easy-to-make bread is not only low in sugar but also oil-free and under 100 calories per slice. It’s incredibly moist and perfectly sweet, making it a fantastic choice for health-conscious bakers and banana lovers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low-Calorie Delight: At just over 100 calories per slice, you can indulge without guilt.
• Easy Preparation: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy it plain, with nut butter, or topped with fruit for a nutritious boost.
• No Oil Needed: The use of mashed bananas keeps the bread moist without adding extra fats.
• Great for Meal Prep: Bake a loaf at the start of the week and have healthy snacks ready to go!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Loaf pan (9×5 inches)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork or potato masher
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Loaf pan: Ensures even baking and gives your banana bread its classic shape.
• Mixing bowls: Allows you to combine wet and dry ingredients efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees accurate measurements for consistent results.

Ingredients

This EASY Healthy Banana Bread recipe is made with low sugar, no oil, and is just over 100 calories per slice. It still yields incredibly moist, perfectly sweet, and delicious bread!

For the Bread

• 4 bananas, about 1 1/3 cups, mashed (320 g)
• 1 large egg
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract (15 ml)
• 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar (38 g)
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar (25 g)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.6 g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (4 g)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (5 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 g)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, white or white-whole wheat (180 g)
• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or substitute applesauce) (28 g butter or 30 g applesauce)

How to Make Healthy Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Grease a standard 9×5” loaf pan. For easy removal, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly using a fork or potato masher. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Once mixed, add this to the banana mixture. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Add Butter

Gently fold in the melted butter or applesauce into the batter until fully integrated.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Down

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Now you have delicious Healthy Banana Bread ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Healthy Banana Bread

Healthy Banana Bread is versatile and delicious, making it a perfect choice for breakfast or a snack. Here are some serving ideas to enhance your banana bread experience.

With Nut Butter

• Spread almond or peanut butter on warm slices for added protein and richness.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Add sliced strawberries, blueberries, or bananas on top for a refreshing twist.

Drizzled with Honey or Maple Syrup

• A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup can enhance the natural sweetness without overpowering it.

Served with Yogurt

• Pair a slice with Greek yogurt for a satisfying protein boost and creamy texture.

As French Toast

• Dip slices in an egg mixture and pan-fry them for a delightful twist on classic French toast.

With a Side of Nuts

• Serve alongside walnuts or pecans for added crunch and healthy fats.

How to Perfect Healthy Banana Bread

To achieve the best results with your Healthy Banana Bread, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use weight measurements when possible for accuracy, especially with flour and sugar.

• Don’t Overmix: Gently combine ingredients to keep the bread light and fluffy; overmixing can make it dense.

• Check for Doneness Early: Ovens vary in temperature; check your bread at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy Banana Bread

Healthy Banana Bread pairs well with various side dishes that can elevate your meal. Consider these options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to balance the bread’s sweetness.

2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious complement that adds creaminess.

3. Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie topped with nuts and seeds can provide a refreshing contrast to the soft texture of banana bread.

4. Chia Seed Pudding: This nutrient-dense pudding offers a delightful texture and flavor contrast when served alongside banana bread.

5. Oatmeal: Creamy oatmeal topped with cinnamon or fruit can create a hearty breakfast when served next to banana bread.

6. Cottage Cheese: A scoop of cottage cheese adds protein and tanginess, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Healthy Banana Bread can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using Overripe Bananas: Underestimating the ripeness of bananas can lead to less sweetness. Always use very ripe bananas for optimal flavor and moisture.
• Skipping the Butter or Substitute: Omitting the butter or its substitute can result in dry bread. Use melted butter or applesauce to keep your banana bread moist.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at too high or low of a temperature may cause uneven cooking. Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) for best results.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Poor measurement can ruin the texture of your bread. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups properly to ensure accuracy.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make the bread dense and tough. Stir just until combined for light, fluffy results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.

Freezing Healthy Banana Bread

• Freeze slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label the bag with the date for easy reference.

Reheating Healthy Banana Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per slice.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Healthy Banana Bread.

How do I know when my Healthy Banana Bread is done?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to Healthy Banana Bread?

Yes! Feel free to customize your recipe by adding walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips for extra flavor.

How long does Healthy Banana Bread last in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

What makes this Healthy Banana Bread low calorie?

This recipe uses less sugar and no oil, keeping it light while still deliciously sweet.

Is this Healthy Banana Bread gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Banana Bread recipe is not only easy but also versatile. You can enjoy it as a nutritious breakfast or snack. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or spices according to your taste!