Description
This Healthy Banana Bread recipe offers a wholesome twist on a classic favorite, using whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Moist and flavorful with warm spices, it makes a perfect snack or breakfast treat that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (fluffed, spooned, and leveled; or 230g by weight)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional dash of nutmeg and ground cloves for extra warmth)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1.5 cups mashed banana (smooth, no big chunks)
- â…“ cup oil or melted butter (ghee or coconut oil recommended)
- ½ cup mild honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 5×9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Gather and measure out all ingredients to streamline the process.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl or measuring jug, mash the bananas thoroughly until smooth with no large chunks remaining. Whisk in the oil or melted butter, honey or maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is glossy and well combined.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula just until the flour disappears. A few small lumps are fine and help keep the bread tender. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then lift the bread out using the parchment overhang and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely for another 20 to 30 minutes before slicing to ensure the best texture.
Notes
- Measure flour correctly: spoon and level or weigh for accuracy to avoid dense bread.
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- Baking times may vary depending on the oven; start checking at 45 minutes.
- Allow bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
