There’s something magical about the smell of fresh banana bread filling the kitchen—it’s cozy, comforting, and instantly nostalgic. This healthy banana bread recipe is a lighter twist on the classic loaf, but still just as moist, tender, and full of banana flavor. Made with everyday pantry staples and a few better-for-you swaps, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or sharing with family and friends.
Whether you’re trying to use up ripe bananas or simply craving something homemade and wholesome, this easy recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Recipe Info
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast / Snack | 10 minutes | 55 minutes | 10 slices | ~165 per slice |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ¼ cups)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or unsweetened applesauce)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or white whole wheat flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prep the oven & pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. - Mash the bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth with just a few small lumps. - Mix wet ingredients
Add in the eggs, honey (or maple syrup), Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and olive oil. Whisk until everything is well combined. - Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. - Bring it together
Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread soft. - Add nuts (optional)
Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor. - Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Cool & enjoy
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully—slice, wrap, and freeze for grab-and-go portions.
- Moisture tip: Don’t skip the yogurt or applesauce—it helps keep the bread soft and tender without extra fat.
- Ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate chip twist: Add ½ cup dark chocolate chips for a healthy-ish sweet treat.
- Protein boost: Stir in 2 tablespoons of your favorite vanilla protein powder with the dry ingredients for a low calorie high protein banana bread.
- Nut-free option: Skip the nuts or swap them for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm slices with a smear of peanut butter or almond butter for extra protein.
- Pair with fresh fruit and herbal tea for a cozy breakfast.
- Toast leftover slices lightly and serve with a drizzle of honey for a comforting afternoon snack.
Conclusion
This moist and healthy banana bread is proof that comfort food can also be nourishing. Whether you make it for breakfast, snacks, or to share with loved ones, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Bake a loaf today, slice it warm, and savor the simple joy of homemade goodness.