The Best Healthy Banana Bread Recipe: Moist & Easy Homemade Bread

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your kitchen. Our ultimate healthy banana bread recipe transforms overripe bananas into a moist, tender loaf that’s surprisingly good for you. With wholesome ingredients and simple preparation, this banana bread is perfect for busy mornings, afternoon snacks, or even as a light dessert.

What makes this banana bread truly special is its balance of natural sweetness from ripe bananas, heart-healthy ingredients, and a texture that stays moist for days. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers consistent results every time.

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe bananas (the spottier, the better!)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. If using nuts, stir them into the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

Use Very Ripe Bananas: The blacker the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, bake them at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until the skins turn black.

Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten and can make your bread tough.

Storage Tips: Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months.

Customization Ideas: Add chocolate chips, swap walnuts for pecans, or stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the whole wheat flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.

How can I make this recipe vegan? Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based yogurt.

Can I reduce the sugar even more? Absolutely! The bananas provide natural sweetness, so you can reduce or omit the maple syrup if preferred.

Why did my bread sink in the middle? This usually means it needed more baking time or your baking soda was expired.

Enjoy this delicious, healthy banana bread that proves nutritious eating can be absolutely delightful. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or whenever you need a wholesome treat!

The Best Healthy Banana Bread Recipe: Moist & Easy Homemade Bread

This healthy banana bread recipe transforms overripe bananas into a moist, tender loaf perfect for busy mornings, afternoon snacks, or light desserts. With wholesome ingredients and simple preparation, it delivers consistent results every time with natural sweetness from ripe bananas and heart-healthy ingredients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1 servings

Calories: 185

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe bananas (the spottier, the better!)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. If using nuts, stir them into the dry ingredients.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay!
5. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and sweetness. Don’t overmix the batter to avoid tough bread. Store in airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze slices for up to 3 months. Can be customized with chocolate chips, different nuts, or chia seeds.