Healthy Banana Bread

Name: Healthy Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas; 1 large egg; 3 tablespoons light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (or applesauce)

Published: November 20, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Low-Calorie Delight: At just over 100 calories per slice, you can enjoy this tasty treat without worrying about your waistline.
Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal preparation and cooking time, making it perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous baking sessions.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute ingredients like butter with applesauce for an even healthier option!
Perfectly Moist: Despite being a healthy version, this banana bread remains incredibly moist and tender thanks to ripe bananas.
Family-Friendly: Kids love it! It’s a great way to sneak in some fruits into their diet.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking a breeze! Gather these essentials before starting your Healthy Banana Bread to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×5 inch loaf pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk or mixing spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Parchment paper (optional)
Toothpick for testing doneness

Importance of Each Tool

Loaf Pan: A good quality loaf pan ensures even baking and helps maintain the shape of your banana bread.
Mixing Bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to separate wet and dry ingredients easily.
Whisk or Mixing Spoon: These tools help achieve a smooth batter, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Ingredients

This EASY Healthy Banana Bread recipe is made with low sugar, no oil and is just over 100 calories per slice. It still yield 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 easier removal, consider lining the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add 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 flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Once mixed thoroughly, add this dry mixture to the banana mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 4: Add Butter

Gently fold in the melted butter until incorporated. The batter should be slightly lumpy but well combined.

Step 5: Bake

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

Step 6: Cool Down

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

Enjoy your deliciously healthy banana bread as part of your breakfast routine or as a wholesome snack!

How to Serve Healthy Banana Bread

Healthy Banana Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether as a breakfast treat or a snack, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Toasted with Nut Butter

Spread your favorite nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter, on a warm slice for added protein and healthy fats.

Sliced with Fresh Fruit

Pair banana bread with slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing and colorful breakfast.

Topped with Greek Yogurt

Add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for a creamy texture and a boost of probiotics, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Drizzled with Honey

A light drizzle of honey adds natural sweetness and enhances the flavor profile, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Served with Coffee or Tea

Enjoy a slice alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a comforting combination that warms the soul.

Frozen Treat

Freeze slices for later use. Pop them in the toaster when you’re ready for a quick, delicious snack!

How to Perfect Healthy Banana Bread

To achieve the best results with your Healthy Banana Bread, consider these tips that can make all the difference.

Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid using too much flour, which can lead to dense bread.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in tough banana bread.
Check Doneness Early: Ovens vary; check your banana bread 5 minutes before the suggested baking time to prevent overbaking.
Cool Properly: Let the banana bread cool in the pan briefly before transferring it to a cooling rack; this helps maintain moisture.
Store Correctly: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy Banana Bread

Pairing side dishes with Healthy Banana Bread can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs add protein and make for a filling breakfast alongside banana bread.
Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and complements the sweetness of the bread.
Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal offers heartiness and pairs well with banana flavors.
Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits and top with granola for a nutritious side that balances out the sweetness.
Cottage Cheese: High in protein, cottage cheese served on the side adds creaminess and pairs well with sweet flavors.
Chia Pudding: This nutritious pudding can be made ahead and served chilled, providing a delightful contrast to warm banana bread.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for an appealing dish that complements banana bread perfectly.
Green Salad: A simple green salad dressed lightly can offer freshness that balances out the richness of banana bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Healthy Banana Bread can be simple, but certain mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls you should avoid.

Using unripe bananas – Unripe bananas lack the sweetness and moisture needed for a flavorful bread. Always choose overripe bananas with brown spots for the best results.
Skipping the cinnamon – Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to your banana bread. Don’t skip it; instead, consider adding a little extra for enhanced flavor.
Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can lead to dense bread. Mix just until combined to keep your Healthy Banana Bread light and airy.
Not measuring ingredients accurately – Accurate measurements ensure consistency in baking. Use a kitchen scale for precise amounts, especially for flour.
Baking at the wrong temperature – Baking at too high a temperature can cause the outside to brown while leaving the inside undercooked. Stick to 350 degrees F for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Healthy Banana Bread in an airtight container.
It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Healthy Banana Bread

Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Healthy Banana Bread

Oven – Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Wrap slices in foil and heat for about 10 minutes.
Microwave – Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 15-20 seconds.
Stovetop – Warm slices in a skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Healthy Banana Bread.

How can I make my Healthy Banana Bread sweeter?

You can add more mashed bananas or increase the amount of brown sugar slightly. Honey or maple syrup are also great alternatives if you prefer natural sweeteners.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just note that it may give your bread a denser texture.

What is the best way to ripen bananas quickly?

To ripen bananas quickly, place them in a brown paper bag at room temperature. You can also place them in an oven at 300 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes until they become soft and dark.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips into your batter before baking for extra texture and flavor.

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

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your banana bread is done baking.

Final Thoughts

Healthy Banana Bread is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even swapping ingredients like butter with applesauce. This recipe makes a great breakfast or snack, so give it a try today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card