Healthy No-Sugar-Added Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

This healthy no-sugar-added banana bread is a delicious twist on a classic favorite, using natural sweeteners like honey and applesauce. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for a wholesome snack or breakfast treat.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sugar-free applesauce
• ½ cup honey
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 large or 4 medium mashed overripe bananas
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 extra banana for decoration

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease two medium loaf pans with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution.
3. Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, mix together the applesauce and honey. Then, add the beaten eggs and mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.
4. Step 4: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently—only enough to incorporate all the ingredients. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and tender.
5. Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the two greased loaf pans. Slice the extra banana and place it on top for decoration.
6. Step 6: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. After about 30-40 minutes, cover the tops with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the loaves cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or almonds for a nutty crunch.
• Stir in ½ cup dark chocolate chips for a chocolate twist.
• Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
• Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) for a vegan version.
• Add ¼ cup Greek yogurt or plain unsweetened yogurt for extra moisture.

Storage

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week. To freeze, slice and place pieces in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or toaster before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this banana bread without honey?

Yes! You can substitute pure maple syrup or add an extra ¼ cup of mashed bananas for natural sweetness instead of honey.

How can I prevent the banana bread from becoming too dense?

Be careful not to overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients. Stir just until everything is incorporated to keep the bread light and tender.

Healthy No-Sugar-Added Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 116 reviews

This Healthy No-Sugar-Added Banana Bread recipe is a wholesome twist on the classic treat, using whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners like honey and sugar-free applesauce, and ripe bananas for moisture and flavor. It’s perfect for those seeking a nutritious, delicious bread without added refined sugars, offering a moist texture and gentle sweetness that’s ideal for breakfast or a snack.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 medium loaves (about 12 slices per loaf) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup sugar-free applesauce
• ½ cup honey
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 large or 4 medium mashed overripe bananas
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 extra banana for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease two medium loaf pans with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, mix together the applesauce and honey. Then, add the beaten eggs and mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently—only enough to incorporate all the ingredients. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense banana bread.
5. Pour Into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two greased loaf pans. Slice the extra banana and place it on top for decoration.
6. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. After about 30-40 minutes, cover the tops with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the loaves cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

• Store banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Freeze sliced pieces in a sealed container for up to 3 months; reheat before serving.
• To make nutty banana bread, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or almonds.
• For a chocolate twist, stir in ½ cup dark chocolate chips into the batter.
• Use a gluten-free flour blend 1:1 as a substitute to make it gluten-free.
• For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
• Add ¼ cup Greek yogurt or plain unsweetened yogurt for extra moist banana bread.
• Honey can be substituted with pure maple syrup or extra mashed bananas for sweetness.

Keywords: healthy banana bread, no sugar added banana bread, whole wheat banana bread, sugar-free banana bread, healthy baking