Get Your Peel on Deliciously Healthy Banana Bread
- Recipe Introduction
- What You'll Need: Dry Ingredients
- Wet Ingredients Line-Up
- Optional Goodies
- Get Ready to Bake! Ingredients & Equipment for Your Best Ever Healthy Banana Bread
- Get Your Peel On! Deliciously Healthy Banana Bread
- Recipe Notes for Your Healthy Banana Bread
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a slice of comfort? You know, that kinda' thing that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? Ever wondered how to make Healthy Banana Bread that’s actually, well, healthy ?
Quick Hook
We all have those sad, spotty bananas sitting on the counter, right? This Healthy Banana Bread Recipe transforms them into a delicious and nutritious treat. Think cinnamon spiced, naturally sweet, and oh-so-moist!
Brief Overview
Banana bread has roots in American kitchens from the early 20th century. It's now a staple and a great way to use ripe bananas.
This recipe is pretty easy, taking about 1 hour 5- 15 minutes from start to finish. It makes around 12 slices, perfect for sharing.
..or not!
Main Benefits
This low-fat Banana Bread Recipe is packed with whole grains and naturally sweetened with bananas. It's a brilliant way to sneak in some extra fiber and potassium.
Perfect for a quick Easy Breakfast Brunch or a guilt free snack any time of day. What makes it special? We ditch the refined sugar and use whole wheat flour or Spelt Banana Bread instead!
Ready to get baking? Let's gather our ingredients!
What You'll Need: Dry Ingredients
Alright, first up, the dry stuff. You'll need 1 ½ cups (192g) of whole wheat flour (or spelt if you’re feeling fancy!), 1 teaspoon (5ml) of baking soda to give it a lovely rise, and ½ teaspoon (2.
5ml) of ground cinnamon because, well, who doesn't love cinnamon?
Don't forget ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) of ground nutmeg for that extra touch of warmth, and ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) of salt to balance out the sweetness. Got it all? Good!
Wet Ingredients Line-Up
Now for the wet crew! Grab 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups/340g) the browner, the better!.
Then, ⅓ cup (80ml) of unsweetened applesauce for extra moisture, and ¼ cup (60ml) of melted coconut oil (or any neutral oil if you prefer).
Next, you'll need 2 large eggs (approx. 100g) to bind it all together, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of vanilla extract for that classic banana bread flavour.
Optional Goodies
Feeling adventurous? Throw in ½ cup (85g) of chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch. Or, go wild and add ½ cup (85g) of chocolate chips (dark or semi sweet, your call!).
Honestly, a Moist Banana Bread with chocolate chips is hard to beat. You can easily turn this into Vegan Banana Bread by using flax eggs and making sure your chocolate is dairy-free.
I've done it loads of times! The key is finding bananas that are almost black.
Let’s get this Healthy Banana Bread baking!
Get Ready to Bake! Ingredients & Equipment for Your Best Ever Healthy Banana Bread
So, you're ready to whip up some Healthy Banana Bread ? Ace! Let's make sure you've got all your bits and bobs sorted.
Honestly, this recipe is pretty straightforward. You don't need fancy chef skills.
Main Ingredients: The Banana Bunch
Okay, here’s the lowdown on what you'll need to bake this Moist Banana Bread .
- 1 ½ cups (192g) whole wheat flour. Or spelt flour if you're feeling fancy!
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) baking soda.
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) ground cinnamon.
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) ground nutmeg.
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) salt.
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups/340g ). Seriously, the browner, the better.
- ⅓ cup (80ml) unsweetened applesauce.
- ¼ cup (60ml) melted coconut oil. Other neutral oil works too.
- 2 large eggs (about 100g ).
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract.
- Optional: ½ cup (85g) chopped walnuts. Or chocolate chips. Go wild!
For the bananas, think really ripe. You know, the kind you'd normally bin. They're the secret to a sweet and moist Healthy Banana Bread Recipe .
It will make the Vegan Banana Bread taste great.
Spice Up Your Life: Seasoning Notes
Cinnamon and nutmeg are your best mates here. These are essential spice combinations to bring that warm, comforting vibe. You can try ginger or cardamom for a change.
Honestly, a little goes a long way!
- A dash of vanilla extract elevates the taste. Don't skimp on this.
- Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness. It keeps things healthier.
- For a richer taste, use dark brown sugar instead of maple syrup.
Equipment: Keep It Simple
No need for a kitchen gadget explosion here. These are just the essential tools to create Easy Breakfast Brunch .
- A 9x5 inch loaf tin.
- Mixing bowls. A medium and a large one will do.
- A whisk and a spatula.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A potato masher or a fork for the bananas.
If you don't have a whisk, a fork works. Lacking a proper loaf tin? A cake tin could work in a pinch. Just keep an eye on the baking time.
And that's it. You're all set to bake some seriously good sugar-free Banana Bread . Now, let’s get baking!
Get Your Peel On! Deliciously Healthy Banana Bread
This isn't your grandma's banana bread, unless your grandma is a health guru! We're diving into a recipe for moist, flavorful bread packed with goodness.
Think whole grains, naturally sweet bananas, and a touch of spice. This Healthy Banana Bread Recipe ditches the refined sugar and excessive butter, so you can enjoy a guilt free treat for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
It is the Easy Breakfast Brunch we all want.
Prep Power: Setting the Stage for Success
Essential mise en place is key, my friends. Measure out all your ingredients before you start. Honestly, it saves so much time and stress.
First, preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Safety first: make sure your oven mitts are nearby!
Baking Banana Bliss: step-by-step
- Dry Squad Assemble: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Wet Band’s Ready: In a large bowl, mash 3 very ripe bananas . Add ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce, ¼ cup melted coconut oil, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until well combined.
- Dry Meets Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Fold It In, David: Gently fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans and/or ½ cup chocolate chips, if you're using them.
- Bake Off Time: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Golden Rules of Baking: Bake for 50- 60 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Pro Tips for Moist Banana Bread
Ripe bananas are the secret. The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful. Those brown bananas you're about to bin? They're your ticket to banana bread heaven! Don't Overmix! Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough loaf.
Mix until just combined. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 15- 20 minutes of baking.
For a Vegan Banana Bread , substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
You can enjoy this Spelt Banana Bread for weeks!
Recipe Notes for Your Healthy Banana Bread
Alright, so you've got the recipe for this amazing Healthy Banana Bread . But before you dive in, let's chat about a few things that'll make your loaf truly spectacular.
Think of these as your secret weapons for baking success!
Serving Suggestions: How to Show Off Your Bake
Presentation is key, right? Slice that moist Banana Bread and arrange it beautifully on a plate. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
Honestly, even a simple slice on a napkin is tempting. Serve alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt for breakfast. It's also great with a warm cup of tea in the afternoon.
For a dessert twist, try it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fancy, innit? I love the idea of using the Healthy Banana Bread Recipe for an Easy Breakfast Brunch !
Storage Tips: Making It Last
If you’ve managed not to devour the whole loaf in one sitting (good on ya!), proper storage is vital. This Vegan Banana Bread keeps well.
Just wrap it tightly in cling film and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. Pop it in the fridge, and it'll last for about a week.
Want to keep it even longer? Slice it, wrap individual portions, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or toaster until warmed through.
Trust me, future you will thank you.
Variations: Making It Your Own
One of the best things about banana bread is how adaptable it is. Want to make it gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour blend.
For a lower sugar version, reduce the maple syrup slightly or use a sugar substitute. Seasonal swaps are fun too! In autumn, add a pinch of pumpkin spice.
In the summer, a handful of blueberries would be lush. Experiment and find your perfect combination. I would love to make a Spelt Banana Bread or a Whole Wheat Banana Bread at some point!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Slice
This isn't your average sugar laden loaf. This Healthy Banana Bread boasts whole grains, natural sweetness, and healthy fats. Each slice offers a good source of fiber.
Fiber keeps you feeling full and supports digestive health. It's lower in sugar and fat compared to traditional recipes. Of course, Ripe Bananas are the star, providing potassium and essential vitamins.
The goal is to make sugar-free Banana Bread someday. This low-fat Banana Bread Recipe is a game changer. This is a truly guilt free treat!
So there you have it! A few extra tips to elevate your baking game. Now go forth and bake some bloody brilliant banana bread. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
My banana bread is always dry! What am I doing wrong?
Dry banana bread is a common baking woe! Make sure you're using very ripe bananas the browner, the better. Also, avoid over baking; start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. If your oven runs hot, consider lowering the temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I freeze this Healthy Banana Bread? I want to meal prep!
Absolutely! Healthy Banana Bread freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping. Let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the microwave for a quick treat.
I'm allergic to nuts. Can I still make this Healthy Banana Bread recipe?
Yes, definitely! Simply omit the walnuts or pecans from the recipe. The bread will still be delicious. You could even add a sprinkle of sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for a bit of crunch, or some dried cranberries for a chewy texture.
Can I substitute the whole wheat flour for something else? I only have all-purpose flour.
You can indeed! While whole wheat flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and some extra fiber, all-purpose flour works as a substitute. The texture might be slightly less dense, but it'll still be a scrumptious loaf. You could also try using spelt flour for a similar, slightly healthier alternative.
How can I make this Healthy Banana Bread even healthier?
Great question! To boost the health factor even more, consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseed meal to the batter. You could also reduce the maple syrup slightly and replace it with a bit more applesauce. Swapping the chocolate chips for some chopped dates will add natural sweetness and fiber too!
My Healthy Banana Bread sank in the middle! What happened?
A sunken middle can be a baking bummer. This often happens due to overmixing the batter, which incorporates too much air. Ensure you're mixing the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Also, double check your baking soda hasn't expired, and that your oven temperature is accurate.
A sudden temperature change during baking can also cause sinking, so avoid opening the oven door too often!
Get Your Peel On Deliciously Healthy Banana Brea
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 180 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
