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Healthy banana bread loaf with sliced pieces stacked in front on a dark countertop with ripe bananas in the background.

Healthy Banana Bread

Ella
This healthy banana bread recipe is soft, moist, and naturally sweet thanks to four ripe bananas.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10 slices
Calories 137 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Wire cooling rack

Ingredients
  

Banana Bread Base

  • 4 very ripe bananas about 1⅓ cups mashed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour or white whole wheat flour

For Moisture

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce optional substitute for butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.
  • Place the ripe bananas in a large bowl and mash them until mostly smooth using a fork or potato masher.
  • Add the egg, vanilla extract, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon to the mashed bananas. Stir until fully combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing.
  • Fold in the melted butter until fully incorporated. If using applesauce instead, mix it in at this stage.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
  • Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness. For extra texture, add 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans. For a sweeter version, mix in dark chocolate chips. Banana bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 137 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 18mg
  • Sodium: 209mg
  • Potassium: 208mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Vitamin A: 105 IU
  • Vitamin C: 3.4mg
  • Calcium: 29mg
  • Iron: 1mg
Keyword banana bread without oil, Easy Banana Bread Recipe, healthy banana bread, low sugar banana bread, moist banana bread