Simply Healthy Banana Bread 🍌

Slice of Simply Healthy Banana Bread on a wooden board with fresh bananas

Table of Contents

Simply Healthy Banana Bread 🍌 is a delightful treat that brings the cozy comfort of home baking right to your kitchen. Whether you have an abundance of ripe bananas, or simply want a healthier option for your sweet cravings, this banana bread recipe is perfect for you. It’s incredibly easy to make, soft and moist, and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell heavenly while it bakes!

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Servings: 10
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: 180
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 150mg

Why Make This Simply Healthy Banana Bread 🍌

Making Simply Healthy Banana Bread 🍌 offers you a sweet indulgence without the guilt. It’s a wonderful way to use overripe bananas, reducing food waste while creating a delicious snack or breakfast option. The combination of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds moisture without excess fat, and the choice of granulated sugar or a mix with brown sugar provides flexibility for your health goals. Overall, it’s the perfect balance of taste and nutrition.

How to Make Simply Healthy Banana Bread 🍌

Creating this delightful banana bread is simple and fun! You’ll find the steps easy to navigate, designed for beginner and seasoned bakers alike.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3-4 very ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 ¼ cups)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or use a mix of brown and granulated for a richer, healthier option)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
  • 1/3 cup plain sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra moisture and a healthy twist!)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  • Step 1: Preparation

    Get Ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for super easy removal.

  • Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients

    Mix Dry Goodies: In a medium bowl, gently whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for a moment.

  • Step 3: Preparing the Bananas

    Mash Those Bananas: Grab a large bowl and mash your extra ripe bananas. Don’t worry about getting them perfectly smooth; a few small chunks add wonderful texture!

  • Step 4: Mixing Wet Ingredients

    Wet Ingredients Party: Into the mashed bananas, whisk in the sugar, eggs, cooled melted butter, sour cream (or Greek yogurt!), and vanilla extract until everything is nicely combined.

  • Step 5: Combining Mixtures

    Combine Gently: Now, add your dry flour mixture to the wet banana mixture. Stir just until everything comes together—be careful not to overmix as this keeps the bread tender. Pour this lovely batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

  • Step 6: Baking

    Bake to Golden: Pop it into your preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top starts to brown too much, loosely cover it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

  • Step 7: Cooling

    Cool Down: Let your delicious banana bread cool in the loaf pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on the rack before slicing. This helps it set perfectly!

  • Step 8: Enjoy!

    Slice into generous pieces and savor this incredibly moist, easy, and healthy homemade treat!

How to Serve Simply Healthy Banana Bread 🍌

Simply Healthy Banana Bread 🍌 is delightful on its own or ready to be dressed up! Enjoy a slice warm with a pat of butter, or pair it with a dollop of cream cheese or nut butter for added flavor. It makes a fantastic breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat during parties. You can even toast slices for a crispy, buttery finish.

How to Store Simply Healthy Banana Bread 🍌

To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or pop slices in the toaster for a quick, satisfying snack.

Expert Tips for Perfect Simply Healthy Banana Bread 🍌

  • Use overripe bananas, as they add natural sweetness and enhance flavor.
  • Don’t overmix your batter! A few lumps in the banana mixture are okay.
  • For an extra touch, add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter.
  • If your bananas aren’t very ripe, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag overnight.

Delicious Variations

  • Nutty Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
  • Chocolate Chip Delight: Stir in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
  • Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
  • Berry Banana Fusion: Mix in 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries for a fruity pop.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
    Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative. Note that the texture may be denser.

  • Is it necessary to use butter?
    You can substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or applesauce for a lower-fat version.

  • What can I use instead of sour cream or Greek yogurt?
    You can use unsweetened applesauce or buttermilk as alternatives for sour cream or Greek yogurt.

  • How do I know when my banana bread is done?
    Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!

  • Can I make mini loaves?
    Absolutely! Divide the batter into smaller loaf pans and reduce the baking time to around 30-40 minutes.

Conclusion

Simply Healthy Banana Bread 🍌 is a wonderful recipe that combines simple ingredients with delicious results. It’s moist, fluffy, and pairs perfectly with your favorite toppings or enjoyed on its own. The best part? It’s an easy way to indulge your cravings while keeping things healthy. Bake a loaf today, and experience the warm, comforting flavors that make this banana bread a beloved favorite. Enjoy every slice!

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Simply Healthy Banana Bread


  • Author: lydia
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful banana bread recipe that’s easy to make and uses common ingredients for a healthier, sweet treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 34 very ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 ¼ cups)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or mix of brown and granulated)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
  • 1/3 cup plain sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until slightly chunky.
  4. Whisk in the sugar, eggs, cooled butter, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vanilla extract until combined.
  5. Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover with foil if the top browns too much.
  7. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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Pro Chef & Blogger

Hi, I’m Lydia, the passionate culinary creator behind Ninja Machine Recipes! I firmly believe that amazing food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here at Ninja Machine Recipes, I share my favorite recipes that bring loved ones together around the dinner table – from quick weeknight solutions to special celebration treats.

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