Healthier Banana Bread

This healthier banana bread will blow your mind! No one will ever be able to tell that it’s refined sugar, oil and butter free because it’s so good. The word I hear most when people try this is “love” (just read below). Just when you thought it couldn’t get better… you need just 1 bowl and 10 minutes of prep!

Made this last night and oh my goodness this is delicious!!!! First time making banana bread without sugar and butter….this totally compares and I wouldn’t know the difference except for the fact I made it…lol :) LOVED…LOVED….LOVED!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!

-Linda

When I started blogging I didn’t really have an interest in making “healthier” recipes. I am pretty sure my thought process was if the original recipe tastes good (butter, sugar & all) why mess with a good thing?

But I had to learn that healthier doesn’t mean bad or tasteless. It actually means getting creative and informing yourself about healthier ingredient swaps.

Because I love quick breads and muffins, and I probably won’t ever stop eating them, I thought healthier banana bread would be a good place to start!

Our one bowl 10 minute prep banana chocolate chip bread is one of the top recipes on our site, and for good reason (1 bowl and 10 minutes!) so we created a healthier one bowl 10 minute prep banana bread. No chocolate chips this time, but if you’re wanting to add them in, I’d suggest 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips.

If I calculated the calories correct, the whole loaf is about 900 calories! If you slice it into 8 pieces, that’s 112 calories per slice.

No Sugar Banana Bread Ingredients

• bananas: sweetness and fat
• greek yogurt: healthier fat compared to oil or butter. Adds protein and moistness.
• honey: natural sweetener compared to sugar
• vanilla: flavor!
• egg: leavener and binder
• all purpose flour: gives structure – you can also use whole wheat flour or gluten free flour
• baking soda & baking powder: leavener
• cinnamon: a pinch of warm, cozy flavor

How to make this Banana Bread Recipe with Yogurt

1. Preheat the oven to 350º F. Spray a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
3. Add in the greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla, mix.
4. Stir in the eggs.
5. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.
6. Gradually mix in the flour until no streaks remain.
7. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Banana Bread (No Sugar) Substitutions

• Ripe Bananas: Ripe bananas are naturally sweet. Use very ripe or overripe bananas to enhance sweetness without adding sugar.
• Natural Sweeteners: Opt for natural sweeteners like mashed dates, date syrup, pure maple syrup, or honey. They add sweetness with added nutrients.
• Fruit Purees: Applesauce, pureed mango, or pureed berries can add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• Stevia or Erythritol: These are non-caloric sweeteners that can replace sugar. They are much sweeter than sugar, so a small amount goes a long way.

How to quickly ripen bananas for Banana Bread with Yogurt

Keep the bananas in their peel, place on a baking sheet in a 300ºF oven for 20-30 minutes, until the peels become black and shiny.

I have been making this once a week for snack for my kiddos for school! They look forward to the day they get banana bread, and it’s so good they don’t need to know it’s healthier !! Love, love, love this banana bread!

-Yana

Banana Bread Recipe with Yogurt Variations

There are plenty of ways to spice up healthier banana bread!

• Whole Wheat or Nut Flours: Substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, almond flour, or oat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
• Nut Butter: Adding a couple of tablespoons of nut butter like almond or peanut butter can boost protein and healthy fats in the bread.
• Seeds and Nuts: Incorporate chia seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped nuts for extra nutrients, fiber, and a satisfying crunch.
• Spices and Flavorings: Enhance flavor with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom without adding extra calories.
• Fruit Add-Ins: Mix in diced apples, blueberries, or shredded carrots for added texture, flavor, and nutrients.

Tips for Making Healthier Banana Bread

• Use very ripe or overripe bananas. They’re naturally sweet and provide moisture, eliminating the need for added sugar or oil.
• You can quickly ripen bananas in the oven. Keep the bananas in their peel, place on a baking sheet in a 300ºF oven for 20-30 minutes, until the peels become black and shiny.
• A great tip for measuring honey (or any sticky liquid) without a mess is to lightly coat the measuring spoon or cup with a bit of oil or cooking spray before pouring the honey. This allows the honey to slide off easily, leaving minimal residue and ensuring you get an accurate measurement.

How to store Healthier Banana Bread

To freeze the whole loaf: allow it to cool completely, then wrap well in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place inside a ziplock bag. To thaw, place the wrapped bread in the fridge overnight.

To freeze individual slices: allow the loaf to cool completely and slice. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap then in aluminum and place inside a ziplock bag. To thaw, place a slice in the fridge overnight. Or unwrap and microwave for 30 second intervals.

More Quick Breads

• Easy Banana Bread
• Cinnamon Swirl Bread
• Peanut Butter Banana Bread
• Peanut Butter Bread