Healthy Banana Bread Recipe | The Recipe Rebel (2024)

This Healthy Banana Bread recipe checks all the right boxes! It’s moist, sweet, and whipped up in a matter of minutes with healthier ingredients. You might just have everything you need in your kitchen right now!

Satisfy your sweet tooth with more recipes like Peanut Butter Streusel Banana Bread, Blueberry Banana Bread and Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.

This Healthy Banana Bread took me a few tries to perfect, but once I did there was no going back!

I believe that a good banana bread is like a good brownie. It needs no frosting, no glaze, no chocolate chips, no nuts, nothing. If it’s perfect banana bread, then that should be enough.

This is the only healthy Banana Bread recipe you need — it’s perfectly moist and needs no adornments (though you won’t see us judging if you add in chocolate chips!).

Why we love it:

• Super Easy: It’s made in one bowl with a whisk and no mixer. Plus, all of the ingredients are basic baking staples.
• Freezer Friendly: Scroll below for more info on how to freeze banana bread. This is one of my favorite treats to keep in my freezer for later!
• Scrumptious: There’s really no better word to describe it. This banana bread always turns out so moist, perfectly sweet and loaded with fresh banana flavor.

Ingredients Needed for Classic Banana Bread

• Bananas – You’ll need 3 bananas for this quick bread recipe. If you have any extras hanging around, use them to make some adorable Banana Split Trifles or see How to Freeze Bananas.
• Salt – Just a pinch of salt enhances the other flavors in the banana bread.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder – Did you know that both of these ingredients have expiration dates? Use both within 6 months of opening so they’re potent and get the job done.
• Flours – You may notice that I use both whole wheat flour AND regular all-purpose flour. I love the texture that both flours create, and whole wheat flour adds a good amount of fibre. I make this recipe often with 100% whole wheat flour so that’s an option, too!
• Cinnamon – You can add an extra sprinkle to really warm up the flavor.
• Greek Yogurt – Be sure to use plain Greek yogurt with no additional flavors or sweeteners.
• Unsweetened Applesauce – This creates the most incredible moisture and adds natural sweetness in banana bread. And no, it won’t make it taste like apples!
• Eggs – These act as a binder for all of the other ingredients.
• Sugar – Be sure to measure with care! You don’t want to add too much or too little – either error will affect the flavor of the bread.
• Vanilla Extract – This is used to enhance the sweet flavor.

How to make Classic Banana Bread

Here’s a sneak peek at the step-by-step instructions! Scroll to the bottom of this page for more information and ingredient measurements.

• Mash the bananas (I love using a potato masher to do this!)
• Mix in the sugar, Greek yogurt and applesauce.

• Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract.
• Add in the cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until just combined.

• Add the flour into the batter and mix until combined.
• Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes.

Banana Bread Variations and Substitutions

• Make it 100% whole wheat: this healthy banana Bread already has a good amount of fibre, but I often make it with 100% whole wheat flour for extra fibre for my family! It turns out perfectly either way — simple swap the all purpose flour for whole wheat.
• Add chocolate chips: While I like banana bread all by itself, you may be craving some chocolate! Feel free to sprinkle in some dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Add a crunch: Stir in some walnuts to give the banana bread a delightful, soft crunch. Check out more info here – Banana Nut Bread.

How to Store Banana Bread:

Let the banana bread cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.

Allow to cool to room temperature prior to storing in an airtight container at room temperature. You can store individual slices or the whole loaf. Properly stored, this bread will stay fresh on your kitchen counter for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze healthy banana bread?

YES! This recipe is wonderfully freezer friendly.

Let the banana bread fully adjust to room temperature prior to storing in a freezer-safe container (or zip-top bag). You can freeze individual slices or the whole loaf – keep in mind that slices will defrost much faster.

If you’re freezing slices, use sheets of parchment paper to separate them so they don’t stick together.

You Might Also Like…

Calling all banana lovers! Check out more of my favorite banana recipes:

• Banana Pancakes — we love these for a weekend breakfast!
• Banana Cream Pie — pie is always a good idea.
• Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Cups — another make ahead and freezer friendly breakfast!
• Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins — these never last long here!