Making delicious treats doesn’t have to be complicated or unhealthy. We’re bringing you the ultimate healthy banana bread recipe that perfectly balances taste and nutrition. This comforting classic is incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect bake for busy parents and baking beginners alike. Enjoy a wholesome loaf packed with simple, feel-good ingredients that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Wholesome Banana Bread

This healthy banana bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience. Here’s why it will become your new go-to:

It’s made with 100% whole grains, offering great fiber and nutrients. To learn more about the nutritional advantages, King Arthur Baking provides insights into the benefits of baking with whole grains.
We use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, avoiding refined sugars. Both honey and maple syrup offer some health-protective compounds and beneficial nutrients, as explored by Health.com in their comparison of natural sweeteners.
You only need one bowl to mix everything, simplifying your cleanup process significantly.
Every slice is incredibly fluffy and moist, ensuring a delightful texture every time.
This wholesome banana bread is a guaranteed hit with family and friends of all ages.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your moist and delicious healthy banana bread:

⅓ cup (75 grams) melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil or high quality vegetable oil
½ cup honey (168 grams) or maple syrup (155 grams)
2 eggs
1 cup (225 grams) mashed ripe bananas (about 2 ½ medium or 2 large bananas)
¼ cup (56 grams) milk of choice or water
1 teaspoon baking soda (NOT baking powder; they aren’t the same!)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more to swirl on top
1 ¾ cups (220 grams) white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour
Totally optional: ½ cup mix-ins like chopped walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, raisins, chopped dried fruit, fresh banana slices

Notes & Substitutions

Oil options: Coconut oil adds a subtle flavor but olive oil or a neutral vegetable oil work perfectly. Avoid strong-flavored oils if you prefer a classic taste.

Flour alternatives: You can use all-purpose flour for a lighter texture, or spelt flour for a nuttier flavor. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum.

Oat flour: If using oat flour, measure 2 ½ cups for the correct consistency.

Almond flour: This recipe isn’t designed for almond flour, which requires specific ratios and a separate recipe.

Measuring flour: Always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off (“spoon and swoop”) for accurate results. Never scoop directly from the bag.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy healthy banana bread recipe. Keep your kitchen simple and stress-free:

A 9×5-inch loaf pan is essential for baking.
A large mixing bowl accommodates all your ingredients.
A whisk helps combine wet ingredients smoothly.
Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy.
A rubber spatula or large spoon is great for mixing.
A wire cooling rack allows even cooling.
An optional butter knife creates a beautiful cinnamon swirl.

Instructions

Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to bake your perfect healthy banana bread. This simple method ensures a flawless loaf every time.

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted oil and honey until well combined. Crack in the eggs and beat them well, then incorporate the mashed bananas and milk. If your coconut oil solidifies, gently warm the bowl for a few moments to re-liquefy it.
Add the baking soda, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon to the wet mixture, whisking until everything is blended. Now, switch to a large spoon and gradually stir in the whole wheat flour. Mix just until the flour is combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the bread tender. If you are adding any mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased loaf pan. Sprinkle the top lightly with a touch more cinnamon. For an extra touch, run the tip of a knife across the batter in a zig-zag pattern to create a pretty swirled effect.
Bake your loaf for 55 to 60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean. Typically, loaves without mix-ins bake faster, around 55 minutes, while those with add-ins might need closer to 60 minutes.
Allow the healthy banana bread to cool in the loaf pan for at least 10 minutes. You might need to run a butter knife around the edges to help loosen the bread. Carefully transfer the warm loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect loaf of healthy banana bread is easy with these helpful tips.

Ripe bananas: Always use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. This is crucial for natural sweetness and intense banana flavor.
Don’t overmix: Mix the batter only until the flour is just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, dense loaf instead of a tender one.
Check doneness: A toothpick test is key. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. If it’s clean or has moist crumbs, your bread is ready.
Cooling properly: Cooling in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack prevents the bread from falling apart and allows it to set.
Prevent sticking: Always grease and flour your loaf pan thoroughly, especially for a moist quick bread like this. Parchment paper lining can also help.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Enjoying your delicious healthy banana bread is just the beginning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your wholesome banana bread warm, fresh from the oven, or at room temperature.
Enhance a slice with a smear of butter, your favorite nut butter, or a dollop of fruit jam.
It pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a comforting mug of tea for a perfect snack or breakfast.

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Refrigerator: For longer freshness, refrigerate your nutritious banana bread for 5-7 days.
Freezer: Slice the cooled loaf, wrap individual slices, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm.

Variations

Muffins: Convert this simple banana bread recipe into delicious muffins by reducing the baking time significantly.
Add-ins: Experiment with ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, raisins, or other dried fruits.
Vegan: Replace honey with maple syrup, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg), and choose a non-dairy milk.
Dairy-free: Simply use non-dairy milk or water instead of regular milk.
Egg-free: Prepare flax eggs as described in the vegan variation.
Gluten-free: Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum, or use oat flour as specified in the notes.
Lower fat: Substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version of this healthy banana bread.

Nutrition

Enjoying a slice of this healthy banana bread offers a wonderful balance of nutrients. These values are estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Nutrient	Amount
Serving Size	1 slice
Calories	233 calories
Sugar Content	18 g
Sodium Content	260.6 mg
Fat Content	8.9 g
Saturated Fat Content	6.5 g
Trans Fat Content	0 g
Carbohydrate Content	36.3 g
Fiber Content	3.1 g
Protein Content	4.6 g
Cholesterol Content	37.7 mg

FAQ

Got questions about making your simple healthy banana bread? We have answers.

Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How ripe should bananas be? Bananas should be very ripe, with many brown spots, for the best flavor and sweetness.
Can I use different sweeteners? You can experiment with other liquid sweeteners like agave, but honey or maple syrup are recommended for this recipe.
Why is my banana bread dry/gummy? Overmixing the batter can lead to a dry or gummy texture; mix only until just combined.
Can I bake this in different sized pans? Yes, adjust baking time. Smaller pans require less time, larger pans might need more.

Conclusion

This healthy banana bread recipe proves that delicious treats can also be wholesome and easy to make. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for anyone, especially busy parents and beginners looking for a rewarding baking project. We hope you enjoy baking and sharing this delightful, nutritious banana bread with your loved ones.