Healthy Banana Bread (Moist, Simple & Naturally Sweet)

Baking can be a delightful experience, especially when it involves creating something as wholesome and satisfying as Healthy Banana Bread. With its moist texture and naturally sweet flavor, this delicious loaf is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a treat that feels indulgent while still being nutritious. Just imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes; it’s bound to bring smiles all around!

What is Healthy Banana Bread?

At its core, Healthy Banana Bread is a scrumptious quick bread made primarily from ripe bananas. Originating from the early 19th century, quick breads have enchanted home bakers with their simplicity and the ability to use up overripe fruits. This particular version leans on healthier ingredients without sacrificing any flavor, resulting in a loaf that’s both moist and flavorful. Perfectly balanced with a hint of cinnamon, it’s a delightful surprise for anyone who takes a bite!

Why You’ll Love This

What makes this recipe truly special is how simple and quick it is! With minimal prep time, you can whip up this nourishing bread in no time. Plus, it’s an affordable choice that utilizes basic pantry staples and those overly ripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.

Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also delicious! The sweet, comforting taste of mashed bananas combined with warm spices creates a delightful treat that you’ll crave again and again. And did we mention how versatile it is? Slices can be enjoyed plain, slathered with nut butter, or even toasted for an extra crunch!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Making Healthy Banana Bread involves mashing ripe bananas, mixing wet and dry ingredients, and then baking to perfection. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a loaf pan, and about an hour from start to finish, including baking time.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious loaf:
. 4 bananas, about 1 1/3 cups, mashed
. 1 large egg
. 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
. 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
. 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
. 1 teaspoon baking powder
. 1 teaspoon baking soda
. 1/2 teaspoon salt
. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (white or white-whole wheat)
. 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or substitute applesauce)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon to the bananas, stirring well to combine.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the melted butter until mixed in.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a wire cooling rack.
10. If you prefer muffins, divide the batter evenly into a greased or lined standard 12-cup muffin tin and bake for 18-25 minutes.

What to Serve with Healthy Banana Bread

Pair your delightful banana bread with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. A dollop of Greek yogurt can add a creamy element, while a fresh fruit salad can brighten up the plate. For a twist, serve it alongside nut butter or a smear of cream cheese to complement the flavors of your delicious healthy loaf.

Top Tips for Perfecting Healthy Banana Bread

1. Choose Overripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Blackened bananas mean more natural sweetness.
2. Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to prevent a dense loaf.
3. Try Applesauce: If you want to reduce the fat, substituting with applesauce works nicely.
4. Add Extras: Consider folding in walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
5. Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your bread towards the end of baking.
6. Cool Completely: Let it cool fully before slicing to avoid a mushy center.
7. Experiment with Flours: Feel free to switch between all-purpose and whole wheat flour for different textures.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store your leftover Healthy Banana Bread at room temperature for about 3-5 days, wrapped in plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container. If you want to prolong its life, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to slice it beforehand for easy thawing. When you’re ready to enjoy, pop it in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds to bring back its delightful warmth.

Healthy Banana Bread

A moist and delicious banana bread made with ripe bananas, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, and uses simple ingredients for a wholesome treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Wet Ingredients

• 4 bananas 4 bananas, about 1 1/3 cups, mashed Choose overripe bananas for natural sweetness.
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 1 Tablespoon 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 Tablespoons 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar Can adjust based on sweetness preference.
• 2 Tablespoons 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar Can adjust based on sweetness preference.

Dry Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (white or white-whole wheat) Can substitute with whole wheat flour.

Additional Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Can substitute with applesauce to reduce fat.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon to the bananas, stirring well to combine.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the melted butter until mixed in.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Baking

1. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a wire cooling rack.

Muffin Variation

1. If you prefer muffins, divide the batter evenly into a greased or lined standard 12-cup muffin tin and bake for 18-25 minutes.

Notes

Pairs well with Greek yogurt, fresh fruit salad, nut butter, or cream cheese. For best results, allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. Extra tips: use overripe bananas for more sweetness, don’t overmix, and try adding extras like walnuts or chocolate chips.

FAQs

Conclusion

This Healthy Banana Bread recipe is not just wholesome and delicious; it’s a fantastic way to use up those ripe bananas that are sitting on your counter. With its enticing aroma and mouthwatering texture, it’s bound to become a regular in your baking rotation. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones by making this delightful loaf soon? Happy baking!

More Resources

• Easy Banana Smoothie
• Chocolate Banana Smoothie
• Blueberry Banana Smoothie
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
• Perfectly Moist Pumpkin Bread
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
• Banana – Wikipedia
• Health Benefits of Bananas – Harvard Health
• Whole Wheat Nutrition Facts – USDA FoodData Central
• Healthy Baking Tips – Cleveland Clinic