Description
This Healthy No Added Sugar Banana Bread is a nutritious and delicious treat made with overripe bananas, whole wheat flour, and natural ingredients. Free from added sugars, it’s perfect for a wholesome snack or breakfast, providing a moist texture and rich banana flavor. Optional mix-ins like nuts or raisins add extra texture and taste, making it adaptable to your preferences.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Banana Bread Ingredients
- 500 grams (~17.5 ounces) peeled, overripe bananas (about 2 1/2 cups mashed from about 5-6 medium bananas)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or neutral-flavored oil of choice
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or banana extract
- 1 3/4 cups white whole wheat flour (or substitute with 1 cup all-purpose flour + 3/4 cup whole wheat flour)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mix-ins such as chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or 3 mini loaf pans with oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the peeled bananas, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla or banana extract. Use a whisk to mix thoroughly until well combined. Alternatively, if using a food scale, you can puree the measured bananas with the wet ingredients in a blender until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add white whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, cinnamon, and any optional mix-ins like nuts or raisins. Stir gently just until the batter is combined without overmixing.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan(s), smoothing the top as needed.
- Bake the Bread: For a large loaf, bake for 60 to 75 minutes. For mini loaves, bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter attached.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes after baking, then transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool an additional 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure proper texture and moisture retention.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- If using frozen bananas, thaw completely at room temperature and stir in the released liquid to avoid undercooked centers.
- White whole wheat flour helps create a lighter texture; a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flour is a great substitute.
- Adding mix-ins may require additional baking time, closer to 70-75 minutes for large loaves.
- Chocolate chips add some sugar; omit for a strictly no added sugar bread.
- Get kids involved by letting toddlers mash bananas and whisk, little kids can help measure and pour, while bigger kids can handle mixing and pan preparation.
- Store leftover bread wrapped to maintain freshness and moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1, 3-ounce slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg