There’s something special about banana bread. For me, it’s the way my kitchen fills with the warm, sweet aroma that reminds me of childhood Saturdays, baking with my grandma.
We’d use up those spotty bananas no one wanted, and the result was always pure magic.
Over the years, I’ve given the classic recipe a healthy twist, keeping it just as cozy but packing it with nutrients. Let’s make your kitchen smell like a warm hug, too.
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread
- Use super-ripe bananas with brown spots for the sweetest, moistest bread.
- Want a nut-free version? Replace almond flour with more oat flour and skip the walnuts.
- Looking for extra protein? Add a scoop of your favorite unflavored protein powder.
- For a bit more spice, toss in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger.
Serving Suggestions
Slice up this banana bread and serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for breakfast. Or, toast it lightly and smear on almond butter for a midday snack.
For dessert, pair a warm slice with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sea salt—trust me, it’s heavenly.
Julia’s Healthy Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A wholesome banana bread packed with flavor and nutrition, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 ½ cups)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan option: 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water)
- 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan touch)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or olive oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups oat flour (make your own by blending oats!)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional, or swap for dark chocolate chips)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds (for added crunch and nutrition)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add the eggs (or flax eggs), honey, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: oat flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix—it keeps the bread tender!
- Gently stir in the walnuts or dark chocolate chips and chia seeds if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Keep stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze slices for quick snacks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
