Banana Bread Loaf Recipe
This Healthy Banana Bread Loaf is a moist, naturally sweetened, and nutritious version of the classic banana bread. Made with whole wheat flour, ripe bananas, honey or maple syrup, and coconut oil, it’s a wholesome treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls One for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
- Fork or Potato Masher For mashing ripe bananas.
- Whisk To mix wet and dry ingredients evenly.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon For gently folding the batter.
- Oven Preheated to the correct temperature for baking.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, mash bananas and mix with eggs, honey/maple syrup, oil, applesauce, and vanilla.
- Combine & Fold – Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, folding gently; stir in optional nuts or chocolate chips.
- Bake & Cool – Pour batter into the pan, bake for 50-60 minutes, then cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Use Overripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for brown, spotty bananas for best results.
- Adjust Sweetness – If your bananas are very sweet, reduce the honey/maple syrup slightly to avoid excess sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make the bread dense and tough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is done. If not, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cool Before Slicing – Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for better texture.
- Storage Tips – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Customize to Your Taste – Add nuts, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or spices for extra flavor and texture.