Introduction
Healthy banana bread is a delightful and nutritious treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect option for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative or simply want to indulge in a delicious homemade bread, this healthy banana bread recipe is sure to please.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Ripe bananas – 3 large
Whole wheat flour – 1 cup
Oats – 1/2 cup
Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
Cinnamon powder – 1 teaspoon
Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
Greek yogurt – 1/2 cup
Honey or maple syrup – 1/3 cup
Eggs – 2 large
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional) – 1/2 cup
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with a bit of oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Mash Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas until smooth.
Add Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add 1/3 cup melted coconut oil, 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 eggs. Mix well until all wet ingredients are combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon baking soda, a pinch of salt, and 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour until evenly mixed.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until incorporated. Avoid over-mixing as it can make the bread dense.
Add Optional Ingredients
If desired, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Pour into Baking Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake the Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Bread
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and Serve
Once cooled, slice the banana bread and serve. Enjoy your healthy treat!
Notes
Baking Time
Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the bread after the 50-minute mark.
Ripeness of Bananas
The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots.
Storing the Bread
Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze banana bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like dried fruits, seeds, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to customize your banana bread.
