If you’re looking for a delicious twist on a classic treat, this Banana Bread Recipe With Yogurt is sure to hit the spot. Banana bread is a beloved baked good that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a moist, comforting texture. The unique addition of yogurt in this recipe not only makes the bread extra moist but also adds a layer of creaminess and tangy flavor, taking it to the next level. Yogurt in baking also offers a nutritional boost, providing probiotics, protein, and a bit of extra richness without the need for heavy creams or butters. This simple swap makes your banana bread both delicious and a little healthier!
Banana Bread Recipe With Yogurt
Ingredients for Banana Bread Recipe With Yogurt
To make the perfect banana bread with yogurt, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas – The riper, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots will give your banana bread the sweetest flavor and the smoothest texture.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt – This adds creaminess and moisture to the bread. You can use regular yogurt if you prefer, but Greek yogurt gives a thicker consistency and a protein boost.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base for your banana bread. You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but all-purpose flour will give you the softest loaf.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bread rise and ensures a light texture. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor and balances out the sweetness of the bananas.
- 2 large eggs – Eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the bread structure. Ensure they’re at room temperature for even mixing.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the bread. You can adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference or use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted) – Butter adds richness to the bread. You can also use vegetable oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the banana.
- Optional add-ins (Optional, but delicious!):
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans – Adds a nice crunch and a nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips – For a sweeter, indulgent treat.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – For a hint of spice and warmth.
This combination of ingredients will yield a moist, flavorful loaf with a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and a rich texture.
Directions for Banana Bread Recipe With Yogurt
Follow these detailed steps to bake the perfect banana bread with yogurt:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the banana bread after baking.
- Mash the Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until they reach a smooth consistency. Leave a few small chunks for added texture. This should yield about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of mashed bananas.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Make sure the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour to ensure the bread rises properly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another large bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Beat until smooth and well combined. You should see a creamy, slightly thickened mixture.
- Add the Mashed Bananas to the Wet Ingredients
- Stir the mashed bananas into the wet ingredient mixture. The yogurt and bananas will blend together, making the batter extra creamy and smooth.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) into the wet banana mixture.
- Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Optional Add-ins
- If you’re adding 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, gently fold them into the batter now.
- Pour the Batter into the Loaf Pan
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake the Banana Bread
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
- Cool the Banana Bread
- Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- After it’s slightly cooled, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Once the banana bread is completely cooled, slice it into thick, moist pieces. Serve it as a snack, breakfast, or dessert. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!
By following these steps, you’ll have a deliciously moist and flavorful banana bread that’s made extra special with the addition of yogurt.
Banana Bread Recipe With Yogurt
Equipment
- 9x5-inch loaf pan For baking the banana bread.
- Mixing bowls At least two large bowls (one for wet ingredients and one for dry ingredients).
- Whisk For mixing the wet ingredients and dry ingredients separately.
- Spatula For gently folding the ingredients together.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 11/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas and mix with yogurt, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt) in a separate bowl, then fold into the wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Banana Ripeness: Use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the best sweetness and moisture. The riper the banana, the better the flavor!
- Yogurt Choice: Greek yogurt adds a rich creaminess, but you can substitute with regular yogurt if needed. Flavored yogurts can also add a unique twist to the flavor.
- Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of a soft, fluffy texture.
- Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking the bread around 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it's done.
- Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Add-ins: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. Just be sure to fold them gently into the batter.
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread With Yogurt
- Use Overripe Bananas
- The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas, with plenty of brown spots, are sweeter and softer, which makes the bread extra moist and flavorful. If you don’t have ripe bananas, place them in a paper bag for a day or two to speed up the ripening process.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter
- When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense banana bread instead of a light, fluffy loaf. Stir gently with a spatula to avoid overworking the batter.
- Add-ins for Extra Flavor
- Consider adding extras like walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for more texture and flavor. If using chocolate chips, lightly toss them in flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread.
- Try Different Yogurt Types
- Greek yogurt provides a thicker, creamier texture and adds extra protein, but regular yogurt works fine too. You can also experiment with flavored yogurts, such as vanilla or honey, for a subtle twist on the flavor.
- Check for Doneness Early
- Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking for doneness around 50 minutes into baking. Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf, and if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is done. If it’s still wet, let it bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Cool Before Slicing
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling completely before slicing helps the bread firm up and ensures clean, neat slices.
- Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste
- If you prefer a less sweet banana bread, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. The ripe bananas themselves will provide plenty of natural sweetness.
- Storage Tips
- To keep banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store in a freezer bag.
- Try Different Flours
- For a healthier twist, try substituting some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour might make the bread a bit denser.
- Add a Topping
- For an extra special touch, spread a thin layer of butter, peanut butter, or cream cheese on your banana bread slices for added richness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Banana Bread Recipe With Yogurt is a must-try for anyone who loves a moist, flavorful treat. The addition of yogurt makes this banana bread incredibly soft and adds a subtle creaminess that takes it to the next level. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, it’s a delightful choice that’s sure to impress. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins or variations to make it your own—whether that’s nuts, chocolate chips, or a dash of cinnamon. I’d love to hear how you personalize your banana bread, so don’t forget to share your favorite tweaks and creative spins!
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!