Banana bread is a beloved classic, and this Healthy Banana Bread Recipe With Oil offers a nutritious twist on the traditional version. By swapping out butter for oil, this recipe delivers a lighter, moist texture without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier option, it provides a great way to incorporate wholesome ingredients while still indulging in the comfort of fresh-baked bread. Whether you’re looking to reduce saturated fat, follow a dairy-free diet, or simply try something new, this banana bread recipe is a delicious choice for health-conscious bakers.
Banana Bread Recipe With Oil
Ingredients for Banana Bread Recipe with Oil
To make a healthy and delicious banana bread using oil, here’s a detailed list of ingredients you’ll need:
- Ripe Bananas (3 large)
- The star ingredient! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. Mash them well for a smooth consistency.
- Olive Oil or Coconut Oil (1/3 cup)
- Instead of butter, using a mild olive oil or coconut oil provides healthy fats and moisture. Both oils help to keep the bread soft and tender, with olive oil adding a subtle fruity flavor, while coconut oil offers a slight tropical taste.
- Eggs (2 large)
- Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure. They also contribute to the bread’s richness and moisture.
- Maple Syrup or Honey (1/4 cup)
- For a natural sweetness, opt for maple syrup or honey as a healthier substitute for refined sugars. They bring in additional flavor complexity and a touch of earthiness.
- Whole Wheat Flour (1 1/2 cups)
- Using whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients to the banana bread, making it a more wholesome option. It also enhances the texture and gives a slight nutty flavor compared to regular all-purpose flour.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- Baking soda is the leavening agent that helps the bread rise. It reacts with the acids in the bananas, creating air bubbles for a light and fluffy texture.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
- A pinch of ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor. It complements the sweetness of the bananas and enhances the overall aroma of the bread.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors, making the bread taste more vibrant.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note to the banana bread, enriching the overall flavor profile.
- Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1/2 cup): For added crunch and healthy fats.
- Dark Chocolate Chips (1/4 cup): If you want a touch of indulgence, dark chocolate chips provide antioxidants and a rich flavor contrast to the sweetness of the banana bread.
- Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds (1 tablespoon): For an extra boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
- Shredded Coconut (1/4 cup): Adds a hint of tropical flavor and texture.
This combination of ingredients creates a moist, fluffy banana bread that’s healthier and full of natural sweetness!
Directions for Banana Bread Recipe with Oil
Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfectly moist and healthy banana bread:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a light coating of oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Mash the Bananas
- Peel 3 ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth and slightly chunky. Overripe bananas are ideal for this, as they will be extra soft and easy to mash.
- Mix Wet Ingredients
- In the same bowl with the mashed bananas, add 1/3 cup of olive oil or coconut oil, 1/4 cup of maple syrup or honey, and 2 large eggs.
- Whisk the mixture together until it is well combined and smooth. The oil will help provide moisture, while the eggs bind the ingredients together.
- Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed and there are no lumps.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in the banana bowl. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this could make the bread dense.
- If you’re adding any optional ingredients like walnuts, dark chocolate chips, or seeds, fold them in at this stage.
- Pour the Batter into the Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly and smooth the top.
- Bake the Banana Bread
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Check the bread at the 50-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent the loaf with aluminum foil to prevent overbaking.
- Cool the Banana Bread
- Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help the bread set and make slicing easier.
- Slice and Serve
- Once the banana bread has cooled, slice it into thick, even pieces.
- Enjoy it as-is or spread with a little nut butter or yogurt for extra flavor and protein.
Optional Tip: If you want a crispier outer crust, bake the bread for an additional 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) during the last few minutes of baking. This will give it a slightly caramelized top.
Banana Bread Recipe With Oil
Equipment
- Loaf Pan (9x5-inch) Essential for baking the banana bread. A standard loaf pan works perfectly for this recipe.
- Mixing bowls One large bowl for combining wet ingredients (bananas, oil, eggs, etc.) and another smaller bowl for mixing dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, etc.).
- Measuring cups and spoons To accurately measure your ingredients, especially the flour, oil, sweetener, and spices.
- Fork or Potato Masher For mashing the ripe bananas. A fork or potato masher works best for achieving a smooth yet slightly chunky texture.
- Whisk or Spoon For mixing the wet ingredients together and for stirring the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cups Ripe Bananas
- 1/3 cups Olive oil or Coconut oil
- 1/3 cups Maple syrup or Honey
- 1/2 cups Whole wheat flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl and mix with oil, maple syrup, and eggs.
- In another bowl, combine whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing.
Notes
- Banana Ripeness: Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness. The riper the bananas, the better the banana bread will taste and the moister it will be.
- Measuring Flour: For accurate results, measure the flour properly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Too much flour can result in a dense loaf.
- Avoid Overmixing: Once the dry ingredients are added to the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, less fluffy texture.
- Oil Substitutes: While olive oil works wonderfully for a mild taste, coconut oil can provide a subtle tropical flavor. You can also experiment with other oils like avocado or vegetable oil.
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your banana bread around the 55-minute mark. If it’s not done, continue baking and check every 5 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Storage: To keep the banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months.
- Optional Add-ins: Feel free to add a handful of chocolate chips, nuts, or seeds for extra texture and flavor. Just be careful not to overload the batter—keep it to around 1/2 cup of add-ins.
Tips for Banana Bread with Oil
- Use Overripe Bananas
- The riper the bananas, the better the flavor! Overripe bananas are naturally sweeter and easier to mash, making your banana bread extra moist and flavorful. If you have bananas that are too ripe to eat, they’re perfect for this recipe.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter
- Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the banana bread dense and less fluffy. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine!
- Measure Flour Properly
- For the best texture, measure your flour correctly. The most accurate way is to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to packing, resulting in too much flour and a heavy bread.
- Experiment with Oil
- You can experiment with different oils to find the flavor that you prefer. Olive oil adds a mild, fruity taste, while coconut oil gives the bread a subtle tropical flavor. Both oils are excellent choices for making the bread moist and tender.
- Add-ins for Extra Flavor
- Mix in a handful of optional add-ins for added texture and flavor. Chopped walnuts, dark chocolate chips, or shredded coconut are all delicious choices. Just be sure not to overfill the batter with add-ins—keep it to about 1/2 cup for best results.
- Test for Doneness
- Banana bread can be a bit tricky to test for doneness because of its moist nature. Use the toothpick test—insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If it’s wet, give it a little more time in the oven.
- Let It Cool Before Slicing
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bread firm up and makes slicing easier without it falling apart.
- Customize Sweetness
- If you prefer a less sweet banana bread, reduce the amount of maple syrup or honey by a couple of tablespoons. The bananas provide plenty of natural sweetness, so you can adjust the sugar content based on your taste.
- Freezing for Later
- This banana bread freezes beautifully! After it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven.
- Try It with a Topping
- For an extra special touch, try spreading a little almond butter, peanut butter, or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top of a warm slice of banana bread for added protein and flavor.
These tips will help you make the most of your Healthy Banana Bread with Oil, ensuring a perfectly moist and delicious loaf every time!
Conclusion
Making a healthy banana bread recipe with oil is a simple yet effective way to enjoy a lighter, more nutritious version of this classic treat. By using oil instead of butter, you create a moist, tender loaf that’s lower in saturated fats and rich in healthy oils. With natural sweetness from ripe bananas and optional add-ins like nuts or dark chocolate, this banana bread is not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate wholesome ingredients into your baking. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or experiment with your own variations, such as using different oils or sweeteners, this recipe is versatile and easy to adapt to your preferences. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of this healthier banana bread—it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!
I’m Priscilla Swahn, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. With over a decade of experience in holistic nutrition, I specialize in creating delicious keto recipes to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On iKetoMom, you’ll find a variety of recipes for every meal—hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, mouthwatering dinners, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks. My recipes make keto living easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Featured in EatingWell and MindBodyGreen, I also collaborate with health centers and corporate companies to share my expertise. Join me and discover the joy of keto cooking!