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Easy Healthy Banana Bread Recipe

Healthy Banana Bread Recipe

Kimberly Booker RD
Before diving into the recipe and details of healthy banana bread, let’s explore some delightful pairing options. Picture a warm slice of banana bread with a generous spread of almond butter. The nuttiness complements the sweetness of the bread beautifully. 
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Servings 1 loaf
Calories 228 kcal

Equipment

  • Pan

Ingredients
  

  • – 2 large eggs
  • – 1 cup mashed ripe bananas about 2 ½ medium or 2 large bananas
  • – ¼ cup any milk of choice or water
  • – 1 teaspoon baking soda NOT baking powder; they are not interchangeable
  • – 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • – ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • – ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon plus extra to swirl on top
  • – 1 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour
  • – ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil or premium vegetable oil
  • – ½ cup honey or pure maple syrup
  • – ½ cup mix-ins such as chopped walnuts pecans, chocolate chips, raisins, chopped dried fruit, or fresh banana slices
  • – 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

  • First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures even baking. You wouldn’t want a banana bread that’s burnt on the outside and gooey in the middle!

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

  • Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step can save you from the drama of sticking bread later.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, milk (or water), melted oil, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Use a fork or whisk to mix everything until smooth. The bananas should blend in seamlessly with the rest.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

  • In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, sea salt, and ground flaxseed together. Ensure there are no lumps. This creates a uniform distribution of flavors and nutrients.

Step 5: Combine Both Mixtures

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine! If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips, here’s the moment to fold them in.

Step 6: Pour into the Pan

  • Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to even out the top and smooth it down. For a beautiful touch, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top.

Step 7: Bake

  • Place your pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Each oven is different, so keep an eye on it!

Step 8: Cool

  • Once baked, remove your banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here; it’s best enjoyed at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be. Grab those speckled ones!
  • Check Flour Freshness: Make sure your whole wheat flour is not expired. Fresh flour makes a difference in both flavor and rise.
  • Don’t Skip the Flaxseed: The flaxseed not only adds nutrition, but it also enhances moisture. Grind them freshly for optimal benefits.
  • Experiment with Add-Ins: This is where creativity shines. Mix and match spices or add your favorite nuts for variety.
  • Store Variations: Try different sweeteners. While honey and maple syrup are my go-to choices, brown sugar is another option that can add a deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 209gCalories: 228kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 6gFat: 9.2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 1200mgFiber: 7gSugar: 23g
Keyword Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
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