Welcome to the only healthy banana bread recipe you’ll ever need! This loaf isn’t just a healthier alternative; it’s a genuinely delicious, incredibly moist, and tender quick bread that will have everyone asking for the recipe. We’ve swapped out refined sugars and flours for wholesome, natural ingredients without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or that perfect, soft crumb you crave. Get ready to bake a loaf that’s both nourishing and completely irresistible.
This recipe is designed to be simple and forgiving. Using just one bowl, it comes together in minutes and fills your home with that classic, comforting aroma of baking banana bread. It’s the perfect wholesome snack, easy breakfast, or guilt-free dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
Before we dive in, let’s talk about what makes this recipe stand out. It’s more than just a list of ingredients; it’s a formula for perfection.
- Naturally Sweetened: We skip the refined white sugar and use pure maple syrup for a more complex, gentle sweetness that complements the bananas perfectly.
- Wonderfully Moist Crumb: Thanks to Greek yogurt and just the right amount of coconut oil, this bread stays moist for days. No more dry, crumbly banana bread!
- Made with Wholesome Grains: Using whole wheat pastry flour adds fiber and nutrients while keeping the texture light and tender, unlike regular whole wheat flour which can be dense.
- One-Bowl Wonder: Fewer dishes are always a win! You can mix everything in a single bowl for the easiest cleanup ever.
- Perfectly Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins! This recipe is a fantastic base for nuts, chocolate chips, or even blueberries. Check out our blueberry banana bread recipe (coming soon) for inspiration!
The Secret to Incredibly Moist & Healthy Banana Bread
The magic of this recipe lies in a few key ingredient swaps that boost both nutrition and texture.
Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
This is my secret weapon for healthy baking. It’s 100% whole grain but milled from soft white wheat, giving it a lower protein content. This results in a baked good that’s incredibly tender and light, not heavy or dense like some whole wheat recipes can be.
Natural Sweeteners
Pure maple syrup or honey provides sweetness without the need for refined sugar. They also add a subtle flavor and extra moisture that makes the bread even better.
Greek Yogurt
Using Greek yogurt is a game-changer. It adds a significant amount of moisture for a super tender crumb, a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness, and a boost of protein. If you love the texture it creates, you should try our banana bread with yogurt recipe (coming soon) next.
Very Ripe Bananas
This is non-negotiable for the best banana bread! The bananas should be heavily speckled with brown or even completely black. Overripe bananas are much sweeter (meaning you need less added sugar) and mash easily into a smooth puree, distributing flavor and moisture evenly throughout the loaf.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need to gather for this recipe. Precise measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Very Ripe Bananas: The star of the show! They provide natural sweetness, flavor, and moisture.
- Whole Wheat Pastry Flour: For a tender, wholesome crumb. You can also use a 50/50 mix of all-purpose and regular whole wheat flour.
- Greek Yogurt: Full-fat or low-fat plain Greek yogurt works best for maximum moisture.
- Pure Maple Syrup: For natural, unrefined sweetness. Honey also works well.
- Coconut Oil: Melted and slightly cooled. This provides healthy fats and richness.
- Egg: To bind everything together and provide structure.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors.
- Baking Soda & Salt: For leavening and balancing the sweetness.
- Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon adds a wonderful warmth that pairs beautifully with banana.
How to Make Healthy Banana Bread Step-by-Step
Making this bread is as easy as 1-2-3. Just mix and bake!
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they are mostly smooth, with just a few small lumps remaining for texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the maple syrup, Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt over the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few streaks of flour are okay.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Completely: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for the perfect slice!
Tips for the Best Results
- Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, dense, and rubbery bread. Mix only until the flour disappears.
- Measure Flour Correctly: For best results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour and result in a dry loaf.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking your bread around the 50-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Healthy Variations & Add-Ins
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas:
- Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a classic crunch.
- Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
- Spices: Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Protein Boost: For an even more filling option, check out this targeted high-protein banana bread recipe.
Ingredient Substitutions
Need to swap something out? Here are some tested substitutions.
| Ingredient | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Pastry Flour | White whole wheat flour, or 1 cup all-purpose + 3/4 cup regular whole wheat flour | Regular whole wheat will result in a denser loaf. For a gluten-free option, try our easy gluten-free banana bread. |
| Greek Yogurt | Unsweetened applesauce or sour cream | Applesauce will make it even more moist and is a great dairy-free option. See our banana bread with applesauce (coming soon) for tips. |
| Maple Syrup | Honey or agave nectar | Use a 1:1 ratio. The flavor profile will change slightly. |
| Coconut Oil | Melted butter or a neutral oil like avocado oil | Any of these will work well. Melted butter adds a richer flavor. |
| Egg | 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) | Let the flax egg sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken before using. |
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Proper storage is key to keeping your banana bread fresh and moist.
- To Store: Once completely cooled, store the banana bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- To Freeze: This bread freezes beautifully! You can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it on the counter for a few hours or gently reheat a slice in the microwave.
Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
Healthy Banana Bread Recipe (Moist, Easy & Delicious!)
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ripe bananas and mash them with a fork or potato masher until they are mostly smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- To the mashed bananas, add the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Sprinkle the whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt directly over the wet ingredients in the bowl. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the dry ingredients in until just combined. Do not overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes.
- Place the pan on a wire rack and let the banana bread cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the loaf out and let it cool completely on the wire rack before slicing. This prevents it from crumbling.
Nutrition
Notes
Banana Ripeness: For the sweetest, most flavorful bread, use bananas that are very brown and spotty.
Add-ins: Feel free to fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips with the dry ingredients.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
Yes, you can substitute the whole wheat pastry flour with a good quality 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
The key is to let it cool completely before storing. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay moist at room temperature for up to 4 days.
You can substitute the Greek yogurt with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce for a dairy-free option that also keeps the bread incredibly moist. Sour cream also works as a 1:1 substitute.
The riper, the better! For the best flavor and natural sweetness, your bananas should be heavily covered in brown or black spots. They are easier to mash and provide much more flavor than yellow bananas.
Absolutely. To make it vegan, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the regular egg and ensure you’re using a dairy-free yogurt or applesauce. The recipe already calls for maple syrup and coconut oil, which are vegan-friendly.
More Wholesome Recipes to Bake
If you enjoyed this recipe, we know you’ll love some of our other baking creations. We’re passionate about making delicious treats that are also nourishing.
We hope you love this easy and delicious healthy banana bread recipe! It’s a true staple in our kitchen, and we can’t wait for you to try it. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to save it to your favorite board on Pinterest!
