Healthier Banana Bread

Transform your overripe bananas into a wholesome treat with this Healthier Banana Bread recipe, a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite. Packed with natural sweetness from ripe bananas, unsweetened applesauce, and a hint of pure maple syrup, this recipe swaps refined sugar and butter for nutrient-rich ingredients. Whole wheat flour adds a hearty, nutty flavor and an extra dose of fiber, while a dash of cinnamon brings warmth and depth to each bite. Ready in just over an hour, this easy banana bread is moist, tender, and perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. Customize it with your favorite mix-ins like crunchy nuts or rich dark chocolate chips for a personal touch. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a smear of almond butter, this recipe is a delicious way to indulge in healthier baking!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe bananas
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 0.25 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.75 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup optional mix-ins (chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, etc.)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.

Step 3

Add the eggs, unsweetened applesauce, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk together until well combined.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6

If using optional mix-ins like chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.

Step 7

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9

Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1035.2 grams (1035.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2046

Total Fat 54.60g	70%
Saturated Fat 20.20g	101%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 372mg	124%
Sodium 2259mg	98%
Total Carbohydrate 351.70g	128%
Dietary Fiber 47.00g	168%
Total Sugars 131.30g
Protein 57.40g	115%

Vitamin D 82IU	410%
Calcium 300mg	23%
Iron 16mg	89%
Potassium 3085mg	66%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.1%

Protein: 10.8%

Carbs: 66.1%