Healthy Banana Bread

why make this recipe

This banana bread is moist and simple. It uses whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, and ripe bananas. You get a sweet treat with better ingredients. It bakes in one pan and works for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

introduction

Healthy Banana Bread uses ripe bananas, yogurt, and a bit of oil instead of lots of butter. The bread keeps banana flavor and stays soft. If you want a small change later, try a similar idea with added protein in a cottage cheese banana bread that keeps texture and adds creaminess.

how to make Healthy Banana Bread

Follow the steps below and you will have a loaf in under an hour of baking time. Mash the bananas, mix wet ingredients, add dry ingredients, and bake. Do not overmix the batter. Fold in chocolate chips at the end if you like.

Ingredients :

• 1 1/2 cups mashed overripe bananas (about 11 ounces or 3 large)
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or vanilla)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil or melted cooled coconut oil
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (optional)

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease an 8 x 4 inch loaf pan.
2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth.
3. Whisk in the egg, then add yogurt and oil.
4. Mix in brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla. Sprinkle baking soda, cinnamon, and salt over the mix and stir until combined.
5. Gently stir in flour until barely combined, then fold in any mix-ins.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then remove and let cool completely on a rack.

how to serve Healthy Banana Bread

Slice the bread and serve at room temperature. Warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a soft, fresh feel. Spread a little nut butter, yogurt, or a light smear of butter for extra flavor. Serve with coffee or milk for a simple breakfast.

how to store Healthy Banana Bread

Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the toaster oven.

tips to make Healthy Banana Bread

• Use very ripe bananas for the best sweet flavor.
• Do not overmix after you add flour. Mix only until the flour blends in.
• If you use frozen bananas, thaw and drain any extra liquid first.
• For a lighter loaf, spoon and level the flour instead of scooping.
• If you want a savory snack board idea, pair a slice with a warm sandwich like the best tuna melt on cornbread recipe for variety at brunch.

variation (if any)

• Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Swap chocolate chips for dried fruit like raisins or chopped dates.
• Use coconut oil and add 1/4 cup shredded coconut for a tropical note.
• Replace maple syrup with honey if you prefer.

FAQs

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of white whole wheat?
A: Yes. Use the same amount. The texture and taste will be slightly different but still good.

Q: Can I make muffins with this batter?
A: Yes. Bake at 350 degrees F for 18–22 minutes for muffins.

Q: How ripe should the bananas be?
A: Use bananas with brown spots or fully brown skins. They are sweeter and mash easily.

Q: Can I skip the sugar?
A: You can cut the brown sugar a little, but the bread will be less sweet. The bananas and maple syrup add most of the sweetness.

Q: Do I need to cool the bread before slicing?
A: It is better to cool fully to keep slices neat, but you can slice after 15 minutes if you must serve warm.

Ellie

Healthy Banana Bread

This moist banana bread uses whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt for a healthier twist on a classic treat, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 cups mashed overripe bananas (about 11 ounces or 3 large) Use very ripe bananas for the best sweet flavor.
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or vanilla)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil or melted cooled coconut oil
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar Can cut the sugar a little if desired.
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup You can replace with honey if preferred.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1.5 cups white whole wheat flour Spoon and level for a lighter loaf.
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (optional) Fold in at the end if using.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8 x 4 inch loaf pan.
2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth.
3. Whisk in the egg, then add yogurt and oil.
4. Mix in brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla. Sprinkle baking soda, cinnamon, and salt over the mix and stir until combined.
5. Gently stir in flour until barely combined, then fold in any mix-ins.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Baking

1. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then remove and let cool completely on a rack.

Notes

Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the toaster oven. You can also serve with a little nut butter, yogurt, or a light smear of butter.