Healthy Banana Bread
Healthy Banana Bread is moist, naturally sweet, and easy to make with ripe bananas.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas 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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour or white whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- Optional: substitute applesauce for butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan. For easy removal, line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until just combined.
- Gently mix in the melted butter or applesauce.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes.
- Carefully remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- This Healthy Banana Bread tastes delicious warm or at room temperature and becomes even more flavorful the next day.
Notes
- Whole wheat flour can replace part or all of the all-purpose flour.
- Unsweetened applesauce creates an even lighter loaf.
- Add flaxseed or chia seeds for extra nutrition.
- Sprinkle oats on top before baking for a rustic finish.
- This recipe works well as muffins with adjusted baking time.