Healthy Banana Bread (2024)

Healthy Banana Bread is my forever faithful friend. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times over the years. Whatever my mood or motivation, it comforts me in the most genuine, judgment-free fashion, the way a true friend does.

Healthy banana bread, you make me feel seen!

• This healthy banana bread with yogurt is 100% whole grain.
• It’s naturally sweetened with honey or pure maple syrup.
• It’s marvelously moist, fluffy, and easy to make.
• It uses just ONE BOWL. You don’t even need a mixer!

You may find yourself subconsciously stockpiling bananas, just so they can turn spotty and you have a new excuse to whip up a loaf.

While I’ve certainly baked my share of different banana breads (Pumpkin Banana Bread, Zucchini Banana Bread, and Paleo Banana Bread, Banana Oatmeal Muffins are but a few) when I’m craving a simple, classic banana bread recipe, this one is my go-to.

Of course, if you feel the urge to turn it into a healthy chocolate banana bread with chocolate chips, or go the banana nut route with walnuts, I certainly won’t stop you.

How to Make Healthy Banana Bread

To me, banana bread is the embodiment of homeyness and warmth, in baked breakfast form.

This healthy banana bread recipe is good for you and made with nutritious ingredients, but it doesn’t sacrifice the pure comfort you long for when you reach for a slice.

You can enjoy it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or try warm it in a toaster oven, then top with a scoop of Banana Ice Cream for dessert.

The Ingredients

• Ripe Bananas. Forget healthy banana bread with 1 banana! We’re making banana the delicious star of the show. Bananas add wonderful moisture, natural sweetness, and nutrition. They’re packed with potassium and fiber.
• Whole Wheat Flour. To keep this bread on the wholesome side, I used whole wheat flour. It works perfectly in this recipe and adds a light nuttiness.
• Greek Yogurt. Adds protein, moisture, and helps to tenderize the bread.
• Brown Sugar + Maple Syrup. While this isn’t an exclusively no sugar healthy banana bread, it uses just the right amount of brown sugar to create a moist texture. The rest of the flavor comes from maple syrup, which helps reduce the amount of refined sugar in banana bread and adds rich flavor.

• Canola Oil. Just 2 tablespoons are all this recipe needs; the rest of the moisture comes from the bananas and yogurt. I would not recommend making this healthy banana bread with applesauce instead, as the bread will be too dry. I’ve cut down on the oil as much as possible.
• Vanilla + Cinnamon. Two cozy, must-have ingredients that make this bread taste truly special.

The Directions

1. Mash bananas in a large mixing bowl.

2. Whisk in the egg, yogurt, and oil.

3. Whisk the brown sugar, syrup, and vanilla into the banana mixture. Stir in the baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into the wet ingredients.

4. Stir in the flour to complete the dry ingredients. Fold in any mix-ins. Transfer the batter to a loaf pan (line the pan with parchment paper if you like). Bake the healthy banana bread at 350 degrees F for 50 to 60 minutes. Banana bread can be undercooked, so make sure to check it before letting it cool. DIG IN!

Recipe Adaptations

• Healthy Banana Bread Muffins. You can bake this exact recipe as healthy banana bread muffins. For more detail, please see the notes in the recipe directions below. (You can also try my Healthy Banana Muffins or Banana Bran Muffins.)
• Healthy Banana Bread with Oats. Looking for a recipe that uses oats? Check out my Oatmeal Banana Bread.
• Banana Bread with Glaze. Looking for a more decadent banana bread experience? Top your finished banana bread loaf with the glaze from these Coffee Cake Muffins. (Don’t miss my Banana Bread Brownies with brown butter frosting.)
• To Make Vegan. For a vegan recipe, try these Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins. Or, you can experiment with using dairy-free yogurt and flax eggs.
• To Make Gluten Free. Try my Paleo Banana Bread, which is grain free and gluten free. Or, another option for gluten-free banana bread is to swap the whole wheat flour in this recipe for a 1:1 gluten free flour substitute meant to replace all-purpose flour like this one.

Storage Tips

• To Store. Store bread at room temperature in an airtight storage container lined with paper towels for up to 1 week.
• To Freeze. Freeze leftover bread in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. For extra protection from freezer burn, wrap the loaf in aluminum foil. Let thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

• Loaf Pan. Easy to use and clean.
• Measuring Cups. High-quality cups that are easy to store.
• Measuring Spoons. These spoons are double-sided, meaning you’ll have fewer dishes to wash.