Banana bread is a timeless treat that balances comfort and nutrition. With ripe bananas, whole grains, and a touch of natural sweetness, this healthy version delivers a moist, flavorful loaf without the guilt. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or an anytime indulgence, this recipe elevates classic banana bread with expert tips for maximum flavor and texture.
Ingredients List
- 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 3: Prepare wet ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Add maple syrup (or honey), applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix. If using nuts, fold them in at this stage.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Cook Time
60 minutes
Servings
10–12 slices
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 8 g
Storage Instructions
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Suggestions
- Add dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon or drizzle with a little honey before serving.
Seasonal Relevance
This healthy banana bread is perfect year-round. Add pumpkin puree in fall, or a handful of fresh berries in summer to customize for seasonal flavors.
Conclusion
This Healthy Banana Bread combines natural sweetness, whole grains, and optional nuts to create a loaf that is moist, flavorful, and guilt-free. Ideal for breakfast, a midday snack, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, it elevates a classic recipe into a wholesome, everyday treat.
Healthy Banana Bread Recipe a Guilt
10
servings15
minutes1
hour180
kcalMoist, flavorful, and guilt-free, this healthy banana bread is made with ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, and natural sweeteners. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a wholesome treat any time of day.
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
3 ripe bananas, mashed
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, mash bananas and stir in maple syrup, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in nuts if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness.
- Add dark chocolate chips or dried fruit for a flavorful twist.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- For a nut-free version, omit walnuts or pecans.
