Why Make This Recipe
Healthy Banana Bread is a fantastic choice for breakfast or a snack. It combines the natural sweetness of bananas and honey or maple syrup, making it a delicious yet wholesome treat. This recipe is also easy to make and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or chocolate chips. Plus, it uses healthier ingredients like whole wheat flour and coconut oil, which can make you feel good about enjoying a slice.
What You’ll Find Here
Table of Contents
How to Make Healthy Banana Bread
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup (75 grams) melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil or high-quality vegetable oil
- ½ cup honey (168 grams) or maple syrup (155 grams)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (225 grams) mashed ripe bananas (about 2 ½ medium or 2 large bananas)
- ¼ cup (56 grams) milk of choice or water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (NOT baking powder; they aren’t the same!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more to swirl on top
- 1 ¾ cups (220 grams) white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour
- Totally optional: ½ cup mix-ins like chopped walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, raisins, chopped dried fruit, fresh banana slices
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the oil and honey together with a whisk. Add the eggs and mix well, then stir in the mashed bananas and milk. If your coconut oil gets solid from the cold ingredients, let the bowl sit in a warm spot for a few minutes or warm it in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
- Add the baking soda, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon, whisking everything together.
- Switch to a big spoon and stir in the flour just until combined. It’s okay if there are some lumps! If you want to add any mix-ins, gently fold them in now.
- Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan. Sprinkle the top lightly with cinnamon. For a decorative touch, swirl a knife through the batter in a zig-zag pattern.
- Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you didn’t add any mix-ins, it usually takes about 55 minutes; if you did, it may take closer to 60 minutes.
- Let the bread cool in the loaf pan for at least 10 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edges to loosen it, then carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool before slicing.
How to Serve Healthy Banana Bread
Healthy Banana Bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain or spread a little almond butter or cream cheese on top. It also pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for breakfast or snacks throughout the day.
How to Store Healthy Banana Bread
To keep your Banana Bread fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, just let it thaw at room temperature or pop it into the microwave for a quick reheat.
Tips to Make Healthy Banana Bread
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- If using honey or maple syrup, you can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
- Don’t overmix the batter mix it just until combined for a light and fluffy loaf.
- Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a little extra flavor.
Variation
You can add a variety of mix-ins to this recipe to change it up. Consider adding dried fruits, like cranberries or cherries, or a handful of chocolate chips for a sweeter treat. Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts provides a nice crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour if you don’t have whole wheat flour, but note that the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
2. How can I make this banana bread dairy-free?
Simply use a dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond milk or coconut milk, in place of regular milk.
3. How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean; if it has wet batter on it, let the bread bake a little longer.
For more recipes, follow me on Pinterest and Facebook.
Print
Healthy Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Healthy Banana Bread made with ripe bananas, honey or maple syrup, and wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour and coconut oil. Perfect for breakfast or snack, customizable with nuts or chocolate chips.
Ingredients
⅓ cup (75g) melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup (168g) honey or maple syrup (155g)
2 eggs
1 cup (225g) mashed ripe bananas (about 2 ½ medium)
¼ cup (56g) milk of choice or water
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon, plus more for topping
1 ¾ cups (220g) whole wheat flour
Optional: ½ cup mix-ins (nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk oil and honey together in a large bowl.
3. Add eggs, mashed bananas, and milk. Mix well.
4. Stir in baking soda, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Fold in the flour until just combined. Add mix-ins if desired.
6. Pour batter into loaf pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and swirl for decoration.
7. Bake for 55–60 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the loaf light and moist.
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Swap milk for almond or coconut milk to make it dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
