We all know the story. You buy a beautiful bunch of bananas with the best intentions. A few days later, they are sitting on the counter, covered in brown spots, looking a little sad. But here is the thing, those are the best bananas for baking!
Instead of tossing them, let’s turn them into a warm, comforting loaf of Healthy Banana Bread. This recipe is simple, uses wholesome ingredients, and tastes absolutely wonderful. It is the perfect companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon snack.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is not just any banana bread. It is a loaf you can feel good about eating and sharing. Here are a few reasons why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
- Naturally Sweetened: We use coconut sugar and a touch of maple syrup. This gives it a lovely, gentle sweetness, making it a great Low Sugar Banana Bread option.
- Wholesome Ingredients: With a base of oat flour, this recipe is packed with goodness. It’s a truly Clean Banana Bread that nourishes your body.
- Incredibly Moist: Thanks to the ripe bananas and a little coconut oil, every slice is soft and tender. No dry banana bread here.
- Easy to Make: You do not need any fancy equipment. Just a couple of bowls and a whisk will do the trick. It is a fantastic recipe for beginners.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix ins. The vegan chocolate chips and walnuts are a classic combination, but you can get creative.
Ingredients
Here is everything you will need to gather to make this wonderful Healthy Banana Bread. The ingredients are simple and you might already have most of them in your pantry.
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup non dairy milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup vegan chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
- ¼ cup walnuts (chopped)
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to bake? Let’s walk through the process together. It is easier than you think to create a beautiful loaf of Healthy Banana Bread.
Step 1: Prep Your Oven And Pan
First things first, let’s get your oven warmed up. Go ahead and preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it is heating, prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper. This little step makes cleanup so much easier.
Step 2: Mix The Wet Ingredients
Grab a large bowl. Add your mashed bananas, coconut sugar, maple syrup, non dairy milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk everything together until it is well combined and smooth. The mixture should smell amazing already.
Step 3: Combine The Dry Ingredients
Now, add the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt directly into the same bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. A few little lumps are totally okay.
Step 4: Fold In The Goodies
It is time for the best part. Gently fold in your vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. Save a few for the top if you like that bakery style look. This is where the magic really happens.
Step 5: Transfer And Top The Batter
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle some extra vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts over the top. This gives the finished bread a beautiful, rustic appearance and a nice crunch.
Step 6: Bake To Perfection
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes. You will know it is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen is about to be filled with the most incredible aroma.
Step 7: The Cooling Process
This step is very important. Once you remove the bread from the oven, let it sit in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. I know it is tempting, but this helps the bread set properly.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Healthy Banana Bread, storing it properly will keep it fresh and delicious. Here are a few simple ways to store it.
For short term storage, you can keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This is great if you plan on enjoying it quickly.
If you want it to last a bit longer, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. A slice of cold banana bread is surprisingly refreshing.
For long term storage, you can freeze it. Slice the cooled bread and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to three months. Just thaw a slice whenever you get a craving.
Tips
Here are a few extra pointers to make sure your Healthy Banana Bread turns out great every single time. Little details can make a big difference.
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: The more brown spots, the better. Overripe bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, which is key for a fantastic Low Sugar Banana Bread.
- Do Not Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until they are just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough loaf.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the oat flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour too tightly, resulting in a dry bread.
- Let It Cool Completely: I mentioned it before, but it is worth repeating. Letting the bread cool all the way ensures clean slices and a better texture. The wait is worth it.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, delicious, and wholesome Healthy Banana Bread recipe that everyone will love. Baking at home should be fun and rewarding, and this recipe is exactly that. It proves that you do not have to choose between tasty and nutritious.
So next time you see those browning bananas on your counter, you will know just what to do. Give this Clean Banana Bread a try and let me know how it turns out. Happy baking.
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free as long as you use certified gluten free oat flour. Oats are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, so check the packaging to be sure if you have a gluten sensitivity.
How Do I Know When The Banana Bread Is Done?
The best way to check is with the classic toothpick test. Insert a toothpick or a wooden skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached, it is ready. If there is wet batter on it, it needs a few more minutes.
Can I Use A Different Flour?
Oat flour gives this Healthy Banana Bread a wonderful, hearty texture. If you want to experiment, you could try a whole wheat pastry flour or a gluten free all purpose blend, but you may need to adjust the liquid amounts slightly as different flours absorb moisture differently.
Can I Make This A Truly Sugar Free Banana Bread?
To make a Sugar Free Banana Bread, you can omit the coconut sugar and maple syrup. The ripe bananas provide a good amount of natural sweetness. The bread will be less sweet but still delicious. You could also use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia if you prefer.
Healthy Banana Bread
This simple, wholesome banana bread is incredibly moist and naturally sweetened. It’s the perfect companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon snack.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First things first, let’s get your oven warmed up. Go ahead and preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it is heating, prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper. This little step makes cleanup so much easier.
- Grab a large bowl. Add your mashed bananas, coconut sugar, maple syrup, non dairy milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk everything together until it is well combined and smooth. The mixture should smell amazing already.
- Now, add the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt directly into the same bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. A few little lumps are totally okay.
- It is time for the best part. Gently fold in your vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. Save a few for the top if you like that bakery style look. This is where the magic really happens.
- Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle some extra vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts over the top. This gives the finished bread a beautiful, rustic appearance and a nice crunch.
- Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes. You will know it is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen is about to be filled with the most incredible aroma.
- This step is very important. Once you remove the bread from the oven, let it sit in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. I know it is tempting, but this helps the bread set properly.
Notes
Use Very Ripe Bananas: The more brown spots, the better. Overripe bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, which is key for a fantastic low sugar banana bread.
Do Not Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until they are just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough loaf.
Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the oat flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour too tightly, resulting in a dry bread.
Let It Cool Completely: Letting the bread cool all the way ensures clean slices and a better texture. The wait is worth it.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
