Betterforyou Banana Bread
Better For-You Banana Bread: A Healthier Twist on a Classic
Fancy a slice of healthy banana bread that won't leave you feeling guilty? Honestly, who doesn't love banana bread? I've been tweaking this recipe for ages. I finally got it just right!
What’s This All About?
This banana bread recipe healthy is all about taking a classic and making it, well, less naughty! Banana bread is a staple, right? It reminds me of my nan's kitchen.
This version uses whole wheat flour and cuts down on sugar. It’s a simple bake that's ready in just over an hour.
This recipe makes about 12 slices perfect for sharing (or not!).
Why This Recipe Rocks
This is more than just a sweet treat. It's a nutritious breakfast or a guilt free snack. The banana breakfast option will keep you going.
Think fiber and some good for-you stuff from the bananas. Plus, who can resist that warm, comforting banana flavor? It's special because it tastes amazing and you can feel good about eating it.
This is a guilt free banana bread that actually lives up to its name! It is a great source of fibre which will help keep your gut health in check.
Let's get baking, shall we?
The Good Stuff Inside
Time to gather what you need. We're talking whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt for the dry side of things.
Get your wet ingredients ready like melted butter, sugar (both white and brown), eggs, vanilla, and of course, those ripe bananas.
Got some nuts or chocolate chips? Chuck 'em in. Seriously, it’s your loaf; you do you! We are also adding applesauce making this a delicious banana bread with applesauce .
Let's Get Baking: Ingredients & Equipment for Our Healthier Banana Bread
So, you wanna bake some banging healthy banana bread ? Awesome! Honestly, this recipe is a game changer. It's easy, tasty, and won't leave you feeling all sluggish after.
Think of it as a nutritious breakfast pretending to be dessert.
Main Ingredients: The Star Players
Here's what you'll need. Precise is good, but a little wiggle room is okay too. Remember, baking is a vibe, not brain surgery!
- Whole Wheat Flour : 1 1/2 cups (190g) . This gives our bread that whole wheat banana bread recipe vibe. Go for a good quality one! It makes a diff.
- Baking Soda : 1 teaspoon (5g) .
- Ground Cinnamon : 1/2 teaspoon (3g) . Cinnamon smells amazing.
- Ground Nutmeg : 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) . Just a pinch!
- Salt : 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) .
- Unsalted Butter : 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) , melted and slightly cooled. The butter must be melted!
- Granulated Sugar : 1/2 cup (100g) .
- Light Brown Sugar : 1/4 cup (50g) , packed.
- Large Eggs : 2 .
- Vanilla Extract : 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
- Very Ripe Bananas : 3 , mashed (about 1 1/2 cups ). The riper the better! Seriously, use those brown bananas.
Optional Goodies :
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans : 1/2 cup (60g) .
- Chocolate Chips : 1/2 cup (85g) (dark chocolate is healthy , right?).
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Cinnamon and nutmeg are our essential spices. They bring that warm, comforting flavor. Vanilla extract enhances everything. You know? If you're feeling adventurous, try a pinch of cardamom. Honestly, it's delicious.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets for this. Just the basics!
- 9x5 inch Loaf Pan .
- Mixing Bowls (medium and large).
- Whisk .
- Rubber Spatula .
- Measuring Cups and Spoons .
- Wire Rack .
A good old wooden spoon can replace the spatula. Got no wire rack? Use a plate! Remember the goal is guilt free banana bread !
Better For-You Banana Bread: A Healthier Twist on a Classic
Honestly, who doesn't love healthy banana bread ? It's basically a requirement for any self respecting baker. This recipe takes that classic and gives it a bit of a health boost.
We're talking whole wheat flour, less sugar, and all the comforting banana flavor you crave. Think of it as a hug in a loaf! This bread is moist, delicious, and doesn't leave you feeling too guilty.
This recipe reimagines classic banana bread with healthy ingredients. Using whole wheat flour and reduced sugar, you'll create a moist, flavorful loaf.
The comforting banana flavor is enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making it a delightful treat you can feel good about.
Its perfect for nutritious breakfast , brunch, or snack.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
First things first: get your stuff together! This is the essential mise en place. Measure out 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Get your wet ingredients ready too. Melt 1/2 cup butter (then let it cool a bit!), measure 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar.
Crack those 2 eggs. Measure 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and mash 3 very ripe bananas.
Time saving tip? Mash your bananas in the same bowl you'll mix the wet ingredients in. Less washing up!
step-by-step: Baking Bliss
Alright, let's get baking!
- Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. No one likes stuck bread!
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure it's mixed evenly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs, then stir in the vanilla and mashed bananas.
- Combine! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix! It will make your bread tough.
- Optional extras: Fold in those walnuts/pecans and chocolate chips, if you're feeling fancy.
- Pour it in: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.
- Bake time! Bake for 50- 60 minutes . A skewer inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is key: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. I know it's tempting, but trust me!
Pro Tips: Secret Baker Moves
- Super ripe bananas are the BEST. The browner, the better. Spotty bananas add so much flavor.
- Don't overmix! Seriously, I can't stress this enough. Overmixing = tough bread.
- For a Low Sugar Banana Bread use maple syrup.
- Melted butter is ESSENTIAL : It makes the banana bread recipe healthy incredibly moist. Use melted, then slightly cooled butter creates a wonderfully moist texture.
So there you have it! My slightly healthier take on classic banana bread. Enjoy! This bread is a great source of Protein Banana Bread and perfect for a guilt free banana bread .
You could even call it a Banana Breakfast staple.
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Healthy Banana Bread
Alright, let's talk deets about this amazing healthy banana bread . Honestly, it's pretty straightforward, but a few tips can make it truly chef's kiss .
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Loaf
Plating matters, you know? Slice a piece, and give it a dusting of icing sugar, or top with fresh berries.
Smashing. It makes it look so fancy. For drinks, try pairing your slice with a cuppa! Tea or coffee works perfectly.
For something different, maybe add a scoop of ice cream. That's decadent.
Storage Tips: Making It Last
This healthy banana bread recipe healthy keeps great. Wrap it well and chuck it in the fridge. It will be good for up to 4 days.
If you want to freeze it, slice it first. Then, wrap each slice individually. It thaws quickly. You can also reheat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds .
Yum!
Variations: Mix It Up!
Wanna go a bit wild? It's all good! For a dietary tweak, try using applesauce instead of half the butter.
It's delish. Try adding a 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt contributes extra moisture and a slight tang. If you're feeling festive, chuck in some seasonal fruits.
Apple pieces during Autumn are divine. Oh my gosh. Guilt Free Banana Bread recipe is very customizable!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Each slice is about 220 calories . It's got around 4g of protein . There's also about 2g of fiber . Pretty good for a loaf, right? This banana breakfast option is much better than that shop bought stuff.
Plus, bananas are a fab source of potassium. Winning! This can be the perfect way of having a Nutritious Breakfast .
So, there you have it! Give this healthy banana bread a go. Don't be afraid to experiment, yeah? Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe really "healthy banana bread"? What makes it better for you?
You bet! This recipe uses whole wheat flour for added fiber and reduces the overall sugar content compared to traditional banana bread recipes. Plus, you can add optional healthy ingredients like walnuts or dark chocolate chips.
Think of it as a slightly less naughty treat a step in the right direction without sacrificing deliciousness!
Can I substitute ingredients to make this healthy banana bread even healthier?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap half the butter for unsweetened applesauce. Greek yogurt will add moisture and tang. Maple syrup instead of processed sugar also enhances the flavor and adds health benefits.
My banana bread always comes out gummy. What am I doing wrong?
Gummy banana bread is usually a result of overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, gummy texture. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until they are just combined a few streaks of flour are fine!
How do I store leftover banana bread, and how long will it last?
To keep your healthy banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw it at room temperature before enjoying.
You can even slice it before freezing for easy, single serving access perfect with a cuppa!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my banana bread?
Definitely! Adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips is a brilliant way to enhance the flavor and texture. For a little twist, try adding some dried cranberries or even a sprinkle of cinnamon on top before baking. Go wild!
My bananas aren't quite ripe enough. Can I still use them for healthy banana bread?
While super ripe bananas are ideal, you can speed up the ripening process! Place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana and leave them at room temperature. The ethylene gas released by the apple or banana will help ripen the others more quickly.
Alternatively, you can bake the unpeeled bananas in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until softened.
Betterforyou Banana Bread
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 220 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
