search instagram twitter facebook pinterest chevron-right chevron-left email menu cross
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to menu-404 navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Let's Eat Cake

Let's Eat Cake is the lifestyle site for Millennial women. We’re your source for lifestyle, entertainment, fashion, beauty, jokes, puns, food news, coffee trends, and baking recipes.

  • Lifestyle
  • Food + Drink
  • Funny
  • Recipes
  • Entertainment
  • Beauty
  • News
  • Sex + Relationships
  • Contact
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Advertise
© 2023 Let's Eat Cake
  • Food + Drink
  • Funny
  • Lifestyle
  • Recipes
Home » Recipes » Bread

Healthy Banana Bread Recipe

By Rebecca Swanner | December 30, 2018 | Updated on May 25, 2020 | 20 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links that we collect a share of sales from. Click here for more details.
811 shares
Jump to Recipe
Healthy Banana Bread
Healthy Banana Bread
Healthy Banana Bread Recipe

This Healthy Banana Bread is lower in sugar and higher in protein than most banana bread recipes. We tried five different recipes to get here, so we hope you like it. If you don’t, we’ll just go back to crying into our pillow.

Healthy Banana Bread on cooling rack

Why I Wanted to Make a No Sugar Banana Bread

I don’t have any issue with sugar or butter, but I wanted to give myself the challenge to create a healthy banana bread recipe that didn’t use either. Not even “healthier” refined sugar substitutes like honey or maple syrup. And, I wanted the banana bread to still taste moist and delicious. As I said, a challenge. (For a less healthy version, we like this one from Food52.)

You wouldn’t think it would be all that hard to develop a recipe for a low sugar healthy banana bread. But it took five tries until I finally came up with something I think you’ll love.

The final version of my super healthy banana bread incorporates caramelized bananas, Greek yogurt, applesauce, and just a touch of maple syrup to bring out the other flavors.

Healthy Banana Bread Ingredients

To make the final healthy banana bread recipe, I used the following ingredients:

  • spotted yellow bananas
  • coconut oil
  • maple syrup
  • cinnamon
  • fine salt
  • baking powder
  • all-purpose flour
  • applesauce (no sugar added)
  • Greek yogurt
  • vanilla extract
  • eggs

Healthy Banana Bread on a cooling rack

Testing Healthy Banana Bread Recipes

Healthy Banana Bread #1

I whisked the dry ingredients together, all the wet ingredients together, and combined them. It needed more cinnamon and more sweetness. It was fine. It was The Stone Temple Pilots of banana bread. Dense, not super flavorful, not sweet, basically like bread. It was good if you warmed it up and drizzled honey on top. Not the best, not the worst.
Grade: C

Healthy Banana Bread #2

Instead of using ripe, yellow, unspotted bananas, I used almost black bananas. These super spotted, super sugary bananas would certainly result in a sweeter loaf, right? Nope. Most of the bananas congealed together in a mass at the bottom of the loaf. It tasted undercooked and gummy, even though it was in the oven for-ev-er. Sad face.
Grade: F

Healthy Banana Bread #3

I went back to the original healthy banana bread recipe, used spotted yellow bananas that I warmed up for 30 seconds in the microwave, swapped the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour (because that would ostensibly make banana bread loaf a bit healthier) and increased the flour to 319 grams (2¼ cups). I also stopped melting the coconut oil and started mixing it in after combining the wet and dry ingredients. I increased the cinnamon to 1 tsp. and added ¼ tsp. cloves. The whole wheat flour overwhelmed the other flavors and on balance, the bread still wasn’t flavorful enough.
Grade: B-

Healthy Banana Bread #4

This version was the same as #3, but used all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour. But it tasted muted. Ugh. No one wants mime bread.
Grade: B

Healthy Banana Bread Recipe Testing

Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
Healthy Banana Bread #1

How to Make Healthy Banana Bread

After four attempts to make a healthy banana bread that was lower in sugar, I did a bit more investigating and found that while many recipes have so much sugar that it masks the taste of everything else, sugar, like salt, is a flavor enhancer. The trick is to add just enough.

To keep this healthy banana bread recipe still relatively low in sugar, I caramelized the bananas.

I sliced the just slightly spotted yellow bananas into 1″ medallions and placed them and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil into a nonstick skillet. I turned the heat to medium low, stirring the mixture until the bananas had caramelized.

I then added one tablespoon of maple syrup and cooked the mixture until the bananas were very soft. I added ¼ tsp. cinnamon and cooked the mixture for one more minute.

I poured the banana bread batter into a bowl, added the other wet ingredients and the remaining cinnamon.

For kicks, I toasted ½ cup of walnuts and added those to the dry mixture. I combined everything and poured the final mixture into a nonstick loaf pan and baked it for 55 minutes at 350° F. When I stuck a knife inside, it came back mostly clean, and the internal temp read 170°F.

This healthy banana bread was moist, light, and super flavorful. It tasted of bananas and cinnamon and the crust was just ever so crunchy. And, despite having tested multiple other loaves over the week, it was devoured quickly by my taste testers.
Grade: A

Healthy Banana Bread Batter - wet ingredients

Healthy Banana Bread batter

Behind the Scenes Banana Bread recipe

If You Enjoyed This Healthy Banana Bread, Check Out:

 

Healthy Banana Bread Recipe

4.70 from 10 votes
Print Recipe
This healthy banana bread recipe is lower in sugar than most banana bread recipes.
Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 55 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 1 slice

Ingredients

  • 3 large spotted bananas (cut into 1" slices)
  • ¼ cup + 1 Tbsp. coconut oil (divided)
  • 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
  • 1¼ tsp. ground cinnamon (divided)
  • ½ tsp. fine salt
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (319 grams)
  • ½ cup applesauce (no sugar added)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup walnuts (toasted, optional)
  • Nonstick spray

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 9x5 loaf pan with nonstick spray.
  • Place sliced bananas and coconut oil in nonstick skillet and turn heat to medium-low.
  • Heat, stirring continually, until coconut oil has melted and is mostly absorbed. About 3-5 minutes.
  • Add maple syrup. Cook, stirring continually, until absorbed. Add ¼ tsp. cinnamon mix until mixture is very soft and no longer sticking to pan.
  • Remove pan from heat and pour banana mixture into large bowl. Set aside.
  • Combine salt, baking powder, and flour in medium mixing bowl. Set aside.
  • Add applesauce, yogurt, vanilla, and cinnamon to bananas. Mix until fully combined.
  • Add eggs. Mix until fully combined.
  • Add flour mixture to banana mixture. Stir until combined and no dry flour remains. Add walnuts if desired.
  • Add remaining ¼ cup of coconut oil to mixture, one tablespoon at a time. Mix until combined.
  • Pour banana mixture into prepared loaf pan. Bake until knife comes out clean or internal temp is 200°F. (Approx. 50-55 minutes).

Notes

  • You can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. 319 grams of either will work.
  • I usually bake with coarse kosher salt. I don't recommend that for this recipe. Use fine salt instead.
Nutrition Facts
Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 280 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Cholesterol 47mg16%
Sodium 182mg8%
Potassium 219mg6%
Carbohydrates 40g13%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 9g10%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 100IU2%
Vitamin C 15.7mg19%
Calcium 20mg2%
Iron 0.4mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Bread, Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: healthy banana bread
Author: Rebecca Swanner
Did you make this recipe?Leave a review below, then take a photo and tag @letseatcakeblog on Instagram so we can see it!

Healthy Banana Bread Recipe

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Rebecca Swanner
Rebecca Swanner
Pleased to meet you. I'm the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Let's Eat Cake: The world's first smart, funny lifestyle site for women.

My background is in publishing (I've worked at Parade, Men's Journal, Us Weekly, Stuff, Blender, Beachbody, and more), mostly with a focus in health, fitness, and entertainment. I've also run my own baking company and competed on Cupcake Wars, so hit me up with your baking questions!

For more details, check out my full bio or follow me on Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Rebecca Swanner
Latest posts by Rebecca Swanner (see all)
  • The 19 Funniest New Year’s Resolution Memes to Read Before You Make Yours - December 31, 2022
  • Elon Musk Announced His Hardcore “Twitter 2.0” Plan And That Went… Not Well - November 16, 2022
  • 15 Tweets That Prove That Elon Musk Really Is Just A Twitter Troll - November 4, 2022
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links from Amazon and other sites that we collect a share of sales from.
811 shares

Read This Next

4 Health Benefits of Kombucha

4 Health Benefits of Kombucha

Chill Out With This Moon Milk Recipe

Chill Out With This Moon Milk Recipe

50 Easy Healthy Dessert Recipes

50 Easy Healthy Dessert Recipes

25 No Bake Energy Balls

25 No Bake Energy Balls

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarKim @ Three Olives Branch says

    January 21, 2018 at 11:29 am

    It looks delicious! I’m glad you found a version that you really loved after all those trials, that is the best feeling! Can’t wait to try it out!

    Reply
    • Rebecca | Let's Eat CakeRebecca | Let's Eat Cake says

      January 21, 2018 at 5:21 pm

      Thank you! Yay! Can’t wait to hear how it goes 🙂

      Reply
  2. AvatarChris says

    January 21, 2018 at 11:40 am

    I absolutely LOVE banana bread and your version looks absolutely delish! Such gorgeous photography as well!

    Reply
    • Rebecca | Let's Eat CakeRebecca | Let's Eat Cake says

      January 21, 2018 at 5:21 pm

      Thank you! Let me know how you like it 🙂

      Reply
  3. AvatarMonica | Nourish & Fete says

    January 21, 2018 at 11:58 am

    I really enjoyed reading about the whole process you went through for this – that’s a lot of banana bread! Personally I don’t mind at all a tablespoon of maple syrup if it’s what makes the finished product amazing, so I’m all for this, no doubt about it! 🙂

    Reply
    • Rebecca | Let's Eat CakeRebecca | Let's Eat Cake says

      January 21, 2018 at 5:24 pm

      It was! I ate a LOT of banana bread last week! And, I’m glad to hear that. I was like nooooooo don’t use the sugar!!! But, it really made a difference.

      Reply
  4. AvatarNoel Lizotte says

    January 21, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    I love banana bread! Thanks for sharing a healthy version … most of the recipes I use are ages old and not necessarily concerned with health issues!

    Reply
    • Rebecca | Let's Eat CakeRebecca | Let's Eat Cake says

      January 21, 2018 at 4:36 pm

      You’re very welcome! I was excited to challenge myself with this recipe and I look forward to hearing how it turns out for you!

      Reply
  5. AvatarDebra C. says

    January 21, 2018 at 3:49 pm

    With all the work you’ve put into this recipe it’s a must try! I love banana bread and can’t wait to try your healthier version – hubby and I are working hard to reach our goals, but we are still looking for a sweet treat. Thanks for a great recipe

    Reply
    • Rebecca | Let's Eat CakeRebecca | Let's Eat Cake says

      January 21, 2018 at 4:34 pm

      Thank you! Let me know what you think 🙂

      Reply
  6. AvatarMarta @ What should I eat for breakfast today says

    January 23, 2018 at 12:26 am

    I love banana bread in general and to make a healthy one is a double pleasure!

    Reply
    • Rebecca | Let's Eat CakeRebecca | Let's Eat Cake says

      January 23, 2018 at 8:11 am

      Thanks! Tag me at #thatcakelife on Instagram if you make it 🙂

      Reply
  7. AvatarMegan @ Megunprocessed says

    January 24, 2018 at 11:06 am

    I love making banana bread! The best!

    Reply
  8. AvatarJaren says

    January 25, 2018 at 3:13 am

    I love how you described your whole testing process!

    Reply
  9. AvatarCheryl - Pook's Pantry says

    January 25, 2018 at 12:17 pm

    The Stone Temple Pilots of banana bread… LOL!!!!! Priceless.

    Reply
    • Rebecca | Let's Eat CakeRebecca | Let's Eat Cake says

      January 25, 2018 at 10:21 pm

      😉

      Reply
  10. AvatarCarolyn says

    January 26, 2018 at 6:06 pm

    Banana bread is one of my favorites!

    Reply
  11. AvatarMichele @ Queenbeebaker says

    February 1, 2018 at 3:42 am

    Yum! This banana bread sounds divine. I love that the bananas are caramelized! 😮

    Reply
  12. AvatarMary says

    February 12, 2018 at 7:08 am

    I am the Master of Banana Bread in my family and circle of friends, I have many different recipes that I’ve made throughout the years. Your’s is, by far, THE BEST !!!! I made a loaf yesterday for my family of 4 and it did not last the day. Thanks for all of your work and effort. and great explanation.
    I am also the mother and master chef for my 20 y/o vegan son. I tried your recipe, which I converted to vegan friendly, by swapping our the eggs for 2 flax eggs (2 TBSP ground flax seed to 6 TBSP water let sit for a few minutes until it absorbs) and also swapped the Greek yogurt for Silk Almond milk yogurt. I had to use vanilla flavored, as I could not find plain. So the vegan version was sweeter. I added unsalted roasted pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, to the top of the loaf before baking, for the vegan, for extra protein. Thanks for making us all very happy.

    Reply
    • Rebecca Swanner | Let's Eat CakeRebecca Swanner | Let's Eat Cake says

      February 12, 2018 at 9:44 am

      Thank you so much! Your comment totally made my morning 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.
Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Trending Now

  • Adult Jokes 50 Adult Jokes That We Laughed At Because We’re Very Mature
  • Adult Dirty Jokes 65 Dirty Adult Jokes You Should Text Your Partner
  • Starbucks Spring Cups Tumblers 2023 Here’s Your Look at Starbucks’ Spring Cups and Tumblers for 2023

Footer

  • Categories
  • Food + Drink
  • Funny
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Recipes
  • News
  • About
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Advertise
  • Web Stories
  • Editorial Policy
  • Newsletter
© 2016–2023 Let's Eat Cake
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
811 shares