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A freshly baked loaf of the best healthy banana bread, golden brown and perfectly sliced.

The Best Healthy Banana Bread

This recipe makes a delicious and healthy banana bread using ripe bananas, applesauce, and whole wheat flour. It is a perfect treat for breakfast or a snack.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Wet Ingredients
  • 2-3 very ripe medium bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or any milk of choice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour or all-purpose flour for a lighter texture
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Additions
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts walnuts, pecans
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips dark chocolate for an even healthier twist

Equipment

  • oven
  • 9x5 inch loaf pan
  • large bowl
  • whisk
  • medium bowl
  • wooden skewer or toothpick
  • wire rack

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by lightly greasing and flouring it, or lining with parchment paper.
Mixing
  1. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly, then add applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), egg, almond milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined without overmixing, and gently fold in any optional nuts or chocolate chips.
Baking and Cooling
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spread evenly, and bake for 50-60 minutes until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For an extra moist banana bread, tent with foil if the top starts to brown too quickly. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for a warmer spice flavor.