Looking for a healthier and guilt-free version of your favorite banana bread? This lower fat banana bread recipe is perfect for you! Made with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe will satisfy your cravings without the added calories. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter. So, let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 slice (1/12th of the loaf)
- Calories: 122
- Total Fat: 0.8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 16mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27.4g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.4g
- Sugars: 10.7g
- Protein: 2.3g
Cooking Time:
45-50 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Separate bowl for dry ingredients
- Whisk
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy a slice of this delicious banana bread with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or as a healthy snack. You can also top it with some peanut butter, honey, or cream cheese for extra flavor.
Variations:
Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins to the batter, such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. You can also use whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier twist.
Substitutions:
- You can substitute the brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or stevia.
- If you don’t have unsweetened applesauce, you can use mashed avocado or Greek yogurt instead.
- You can use flax eggs or egg replacer for a vegan version of this recipe.
Storage:
You can store this banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Tips:
- Make sure to use ripe bananas for a sweeter and more flavorful bread.
- Avoid overmixing the batter, as it can lead to a dense and tough texture.
- If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, cover it with foil halfway through the baking time.
Notes:
This recipe yields 12 slices of banana bread.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe? Yes, you can thaw the bananas and use them as you would with fresh ones.
- Can I use a different type of sugar? Yes, you can use white sugar, coconut sugar, or any other sweetener you prefer.
- Can I omit the egg? Yes, you can use a flax egg or egg replacer for a vegan version of this recipe.
Personal Thoughts:
This lower fat banana bread recipe is one of my favorites! It’s moist, fluffy, and packed with banana flavor, while still being healthier than traditional banana bread. I love having a slice for breakfast or as a midday snack, and it always satisfies my sweet tooth without any guilt. Give it a try and let me know what you think!