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!
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!
Table of Contents
Equipment
Ingredients
- â…“ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup honey or agave syrup
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- ¼ cup skim milk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (plus some extra to sprinkle on top)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cup whole wheat flour
How to Make Banana Bread
- 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!
- 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!
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!)
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.
More Healthy Dessert Recipes
Fruit Salsa with Baked Cinnamon Chips
Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies
Healthy Easy Banana Bread Recipe
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!
Ingredients
- â…“ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup honey or agave syrup
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- ¼ cup skim milk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (plus some extra to sprinkle on top)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ 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!
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top of the batter. Bake the banana bread for 55-60 minutes
- Allow to sit 10 minutes on a wire rack before serving
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1 pieceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 146Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 260mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 3gSugar: 13gProtein: 4g
Pin for Later
Danielle Ardizzone
Sounds scrumptious! I always feel guilty having a slice of regular banana bread because of how rich it is.
Alyssa
This bread looks so good I’ll have to give this a try!
Holly
Great recipe! This looks so easy to make and everyone has those ripe bananas they need to use, this is perfect!
Pauline
That looks delicious!! I'll have to dig some frozen bananas out of the fridge.
Beth Shields
Looks delicious and love the additions. Thanks for the recipe.
Elaina Hawthorne
My family absolutely loves banana bread! I never thought to add honey, can't wait to try this on my next batch.
Charlene
The first few weeks of quarantine I made banana bread every week. My family loves it! I'm excited to try a new version!
Lisa Manderino
I love banana bread and I love that you have a healthier version I can try!
Sandi
Looks yummy. Bananas are so good for you.
leeandra
Great recipe this looks delicious!
Tiffany
I could eat this every morning!
Sara
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.
Eva Keller
We like simple and healthy! I like that you included other healthy recipes to try too.
Nissa Haight
Oh My I LOVE Banana BREAD!!! This Recipe looks Amazing!!
Charlotte
Great tips and can’t wait to try this recipe. Freezing bread is such a great idea for busy weeks/days.
Kendra
This looks delicious and so moist! Yum!
Barb
How many ww points per slice?
Lynn
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.
Ali
Yay!! I'm so happy you love it! 🙂