Why Make This Recipe
Making banana bread is a delightful way to use up overripe bananas. This healthy banana bread recipe is easy to follow and delicious. It’s a perfect treat for breakfast or a snack. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that make it a nutritious choice for you and your family.
How to Make Best Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas plus 1 more for the top (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup melted and cooled butter (or you can use olive oil, coconut oil, or vegan butter)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- Optional Add-Ins: nuts, chocolate chips, fresh fruit
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch loaf pan with butter or baking spray. For easy removal, line the pan with parchment paper and grease the parchment as well.
In a small bowl, smash the bananas with a fork and set them aside.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt together.
Stir in the melted and cooled butter (or oil) until just combined.
In another bowl, mix the smashed bananas, eggs, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Combine well and then add this mixture to the flour and butter mix.
Fold in the oats and any optional add-ins you’d like. For this recipe, I used 1/2 cup of roughly chopped walnut halves and 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. If desired, top with banana slices or a whole banana sliced vertically.
Bake in the preheated oven until the top of the loaf is cooked through and starting to brown, about 50-60 minutes. A tester inserted in the middle should come out clean.
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Best Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
This banana bread is great for breakfast or as a snack. You can serve it plain or enhance the flavor with a drizzle of your favorite nut butter. Sprinkling a few flakes of sea salt on top can take it to the next level!
How to Store Best Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
You can keep your healthy banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want it to last longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw the bread at room temperature.
Tips to Make Best Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor.
- You can substitute the Greek yogurt with applesauce if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- To ensure even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with different add-ins! You can use other nuts, seeds, or dried fruits as per your taste. For a chocolatey twist, try using dark chocolate chips.
FAQs
Can I make this banana bread vegan?
Yes! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg).
Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely! Just thaw them out and use them as you would fresh ripe bananas.
How long does banana bread last?
Banana bread lasts about 3-4 days at room temperature and up to 3 months in the freezer when properly stored.