Healthy Banana Bread Recipe

Banana bread is an easy treat to make that uses up ripe bananas. It’s an easy recipe that’s been lightened up to make this a great guilt-free healthy treat!

close up of sliced banana bread on wood board

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Confession: I actually get excited when I find ripe bananas because that means I can make a baked treat! My favorite recipe to make is banana bread – I love the taste and the amazing smell.

This recipe is my go to recipe because it’s so simple, lower in calories, and makes the most perfect moist banana bread.

Looking for more banana recipes? Check out my Chocolate Chip Banana Bars, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, or Banana Cinnamon Muffins!

banana bread on a wire rack over a yellow towel

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup honey or agave syrup
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
  • 1/4 cup skim milk
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (plus some extra to sprinkle on top)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
sliced banana bread on a wire rack over yellow towel

How to Make Banana Bread

  1. Preheat an oven to 325 degrees and spray a loaf pan with cooking spray
  2. In a large bowl, combine the apple sauce and honey until well combined. Add in the eggs, mashed bananas, milk, baking soda, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt. Slowly mix in the whole wheat flour until combined – it’s ok if the mixture is a little chunky!
  3. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top of the batter. Bake the banana bread for 55-60 minutes and allow to sit 10 minutes on a wire rack before serving

Scroll down for a printable version of this recipe!

a hand holding a slice of banana bread

How to Freeze

Baked loaves can be frozen for up to 5 months. To freeze, allow the loaf to completely cool. Once cooled, wrap in saran wrap (I like to use press ‘n seal) and then wrap in aluminum foil. Store in an airtight freezer bag.

To defrost, take the frozen loaf out of the freezer 24 hours before serving and allow to come to room temperature.

How to Store Leftovers

I’ve found that the trick to keeping leftover banana bread still fresh is to double wrap it. I like to wrap in press ‘n seal saran wrap and then wrap in aluminum foil and store on the counter for up to 5 days (if it lasts that long!)

wrapped banana bread in saran wrap

Recipe Tips and Variations

This recipe is great base and can be customized! Some of my favorite variations and add ins are:

  • Add in some chocolate chips for a sweet treat
  • Create a banana nut bread by adding in walnuts – note this may add an extra 5 minutes of baking
  • Raisins or dried fruit would also be a great addition
  • Use this recipe to make muffins by putting the batter into a muffin tin. Bake at 325 for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick can come out clean.
close up of sliced banana bread on a wooden board

More Healthy Dessert Recipes

Fruit Salsa with Baked Cinnamon Chips

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Banana Blueberry Muffins

Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies

Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

Healthy Gummy Bears

Pineapple Coconut Muffins

Lemon Blueberry Bread

Chunky Monkey Brownies

slices of banana bread on a wood board

Healthy Easy Banana Bread Recipe

close up of sliced banana bread on wood board
Banana bread is a delicious treat that's so easy to make! Banana bread is incredibly moist and lightened up with just a few simple ingredient swaps. This will become your new favorite healthy banana bread recipe!
Ali
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup honey or agave syrup
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas about 2-3 bananas
  • 1/4 cup skim milk
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon plus some extra to sprinkle on top
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour

Instructions

  • Preheat an oven to 325 degrees and spray a loaf pan with cooking spray
  • In a large bowl, combine the apple sauce and honey until well combined. Add in the eggs, mashed bananas, milk, baking soda, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt. Slowly mix in the whole wheat flour until combined – it’s ok if the mixture is a little chunky!
    mashed bananas in yellow bowl
  • Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top of the batter. Bake the banana bread for 55-60 minutes
    unbaked banana bread in loaf pan
  • Allow to sit 10 minutes on a wire rack before serving
    baked banana bread cooling on wire rack

Pin for Later

Banana Bread Recipe Pin

Author

  • Ali Van Straten

    Ali Van Straten is the founder and journalist of Champagne and Coffee Stains. She is a Peloton expert, certified running coach and certified nutrition coach. Champagne and Coffee Stains provides information and resources on Peloton Interactive, running and recipes.

    View all posts https://www.champagneandcoffeestains.com

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19 Comments

  1. Sounds scrumptious! I always feel guilty having a slice of regular banana bread because of how rich it is.

  2. This bread looks so good I’ll have to give this a try!

  3. Great recipe! This looks so easy to make and everyone has those ripe bananas they need to use, this is perfect!

  4. That looks delicious!! I’ll have to dig some frozen bananas out of the fridge.

  5. Elaina Hawthorne says:

    My family absolutely loves banana bread! I never thought to add honey, can’t wait to try this on my next batch.

  6. The first few weeks of quarantine I made banana bread every week. My family loves it! I’m excited to try a new version!

  7. Lisa Manderino says:

    I love banana bread and I love that you have a healthier version I can try!

  8. Looks yummy. Bananas are so good for you.

  9. Great recipe this looks delicious!

  10. I could eat this every morning!

  11. My daughters and I have a whole week together while the boys will be at the grandparents house. This looks like the perfect thing for us to make together.

  12. We like simple and healthy! I like that you included other healthy recipes to try too.

  13. Great tips and can’t wait to try this recipe. Freezing bread is such a great idea for busy weeks/days.

  14. How many ww points per slice?

  15. THis recipe has been my weekly go to for a year of ww and I continue to make it. Sometimes I add a few fresh blueberries, but either way its my husband and my favorite.

    1. Yay!! I’m so happy you love it! 🙂

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