Healthy Banana Bread

This healthy banana bread recipe was a winner for sure! My whole family LOVED it, it didn’t last but one day!

— Kelly

We cannot get enough of this Healthy Banana Bread made with chocolate chips! It’s supremely moist, perfectly chocolatey and totally indulgent tasting. The best part is — it’s made with wholesome ingredients and filled with nutrients. It’s a delicious, healthier alternative to other baked goods packed with butter and sugar, and the ingredients are ones that will keep you satiated for longer.

Why you should make this recipe

• 100% whole grain. White whole wheat flour and oats add fiber and beneficial nutrients.
• Low sugar. It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey. We like to add just 1/4 cup brown sugar for extra deliciousness.
• Yogurt. Instead of sour cream (a trick that is often used to make banana bread moist), this recipe is made with yogurt, which is high in protein and low in fat.
• Bananas. The addition of bananas packs this recipe with potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. Ripe bananas make the bread moist and add natural sweetness, so you can use less added fats and sugars.

This loaf is SO easy to make and always gets rave reviews – even my picky kids can’t get enough! I love to bake it when I’m craving something sweet and chocolatey. So good!

Ingredients needed

Quick breads like this banana bread recipe are actually really easy to make healthier. We enjoyed this more nutritious version just as much as a classic banana bread, and you can feel good about having more than one slice because it’s lower in sugar, calories and fat. Let’s talk about those ingredients:

• Eggs. Use 2 large eggs for a tender texture, structure and extra protein. To make this recipe vegan, use flax eggs.
• Yogurt. A great replacement for oil and/or butter. For a dairy-free and/or vegan banana bread, use a coconut or almond milk yogurt variety. Use Greek yogurt for a boost of protein!
• Bananas. Two mashed bananas (about 1 cup) add moisture and do a great job of replacing vegetable oil. For best results, use extra ripe bananas that have some brown spots.
• Maple syrup. Pure maple syrup (or honey) is an all-natural sweetener that’s actually sweeter than sugar. There’s only 6 tablespoons in this entire recipe.
• Brown sugar. Adding just a tiny amount of brown sugar provides depth of flavor, a bit more sweetness and a tender crumb. This is completely optional, though. I actually had some Splenda brown sugar blend on hand and used 2 tablespoons of that. It was perfect.
• Flavor makers. Ground cinnamon and pure vanilla extract give this a wonderful warm, cozy flavor.
• Quick oats. Adds fiber and delicious texture.
• Baking soda. For the perfect rise and texture. You will not need baking powder.
• White whole wheat flour. Whole wheat flour works great in this recipe and is a healthier alternative to white flour. White whole wheat flour has more nutrition than regular all-purpose flour. It also adds a nutty delicious flavor to the bread. You can also use regular whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour. All are 100 percent whole wheat!
• Optional mix-ins. We love this loaf with the addition of chocolate chips! You can even stir in 1/2 cup to 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans! Feel free to also add in a pinch of salt, if you’d like.

How to make this recipe

This healthy banana bread recipe is super easy to whip up and requires just 10 minutes of hands-on time. Grab one large bowl and a loaf pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray or lined with parchment paper. You can also grease with coconut oil or butter, if preferred. Here’s the simple process:

For printable instructions, reference the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

1. Mix wet ingredients. In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs until the yolks break apart. Whisk in the yogurt, mashed banana, maple syrup, sugar, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
2. Add dry ingredients. Stir in the oats, baking soda, and cinnamon. Finally, spoon in the flour and gently stir it in until just combined. If you’re adding chocolate chips or any other mix-ins, toss them in about 1 tablespoon flour to keep them from sinking to the bottom of the bread, then gently fold them into the batter. Stir with wet mixture until just combined. Do NOT over-mix. 
3. Bake. Pour batter into loaf pan. For a pretty presentation, sprinkle about 1/4 cup of the chocolate chips over the top before it goes into the oven. Bake at 350ºF for about 45 minutes or until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
4. Cool. Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes on a wire rack. Use a butter knife to loosen around the edges and carefully remove the bread from the pan. Cool completely on a cooling rack before slicing. Enjoy! We love this with a smear of peanut butter!

Baker’s tips

This easy banana bread recipe is very simple to make, but here are some tips to make sure it’s incredible every time!

• Extra ripe bananas. To make this perfectly sweet, use bananas that are VERY ripe. The more brown spots the better! However, if they have mold or a strange odor, those are too ripe and unsafe to eat. If your bananas are nearing expiration, but you don’t have time to use them that day, peel and freeze them for later.
• To quickly ripen bananas. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can ripen them quickly by wrapping them in foil and popping them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 mins!
• Measure the flour correctly. Too much flour can cause baked goods to be dry and crumbly. Whisk the flour first, then spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off the top (without shaking the measuring cup). If you have food scales, use those for even more precise measuring.
• Do NOT over-mix batter. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together by gently folding them with a large spoon or spatula and mix just until moistened. Do not use a whisk. Over-mixing the batter can produce tough bread that sinks in the center.
• Do not over bake. Ovens can vary so be sure to check the bread after about 40 to 45 minutes. It is done baking when a skewer, butter knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Variations

While this is delicious as-is, you can add other ingredients to switch up the flavor profile. Here’s some options:

• Banana nut bread. Mix in your favorite chopped nuts. About 1 cup of chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts would give this a delicious nutty crunch.
• Chocolate chips. While I really like semi-sweet chocolate chips in this recipe, feel free to use dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips or even mini chocolate chips.
• Dried fruits. For bursts of chewy sweetness throughout, add one cup of cranberries, raisins or chopped dates.
• Flour. Spelt flour or all purpose flour are great substitutes for white whole wheat flour. If that’s what you have on hand, give it a try!
• Healthy banana muffins. Turn this quick bread recipe into a muffin recipe. This will make 12 muffins and you can shorten the cook time down to 20-25 minutes.
• Dietary restrictions. I have successfully made this recipe vegan, dairy-free, egg free, and gluten free. See the notes in the recipe card (below) for details.

Frequently asked questions

Storage recommendations

• Storing leftovers. This loaf will stay fresh covered at room temperature on the counter for up to about 2 days. For longer storage, place slices in an airtight container or bag and place in the refrigerator for up to about 5 days. If you want to enjoy slices warm, you can heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven for a short time.
• Freezing. To store in the freezer. Tightly wrap the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then place it in a resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, when you’re ready to enjoy it. The other option is to wrap up individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a resealable bag. You can then thaw your slices at room temperature or microwave them for about 20-30 seconds.

If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.