Super Moist Banana Bread Recipe – No Fail !
This healthy banana bread recipe offers a deliciously guilt-free twist on a classic favorite. Made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, and pure maple syrup, it’s a treat everyone can feel good about enjoying.
Whether you prefer it as a comforting breakfast or a satisfying snack, this easy one-bowl recipe is perfect for any occasion. With the option to add walnuts or chocolate chips, it can be customized to your taste.
Baking this banana bread fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, and the result is a moist, naturally sweetened loaf that can also be made into muffins for a quick grab-and-go option.
Banana Bread Recipe – Ingredients
Whole wheat pastry flour brings a wholesome, nutty texture that forms the perfect base, offering a healthier alternative to traditional flour. Paired with the rich, creamy protein boost from Greek yogurt, this bread is both nourishing and satisfying.
Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, creating a tender crumb with each bite. The pure maple syrup not only enhances the flavor but also adds a subtle, earthy sweetness without refined sugar.
Melted butter or coconut oil ensures a rich, smooth texture, while the touch of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor with warmth. Together, these ingredients create a banana bread that’s as healthy as it is delicious.
Banana Bread Recipe – Enhanced Guide
Recipe Tips
- Perfect Bananas for Banana Bread
Using overripe bananas is key to getting the best texture and sweetness for this banana bread. The riper the bananas, the more natural sugar they release, ensuring a moist loaf without needing extra sugar. Aim for bananas with brown spots, which will provide a rich flavor and ideal consistency. - Room Temperature Ingredients
For the smoothest batter and the most even texture, make sure your eggs and yogurt are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize, leading to a denser bread. Simply take them out of the fridge 30 minutes before you start baking, or warm the eggs gently by placing them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. - Do Not Overmix
When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, be careful not to overmix. Stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough banana bread. A few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in a tender, light loaf. The key is gentle mixing.
What to Serve with Banana Bread
- Nut Butter Spread
Spread almond or peanut butter on top of a slice of banana bread for a protein-packed, satisfying snack. The creamy nut butter perfectly complements the sweet, moist banana bread and adds a rich, savory note that balances the sweetness. - Fresh Fruit Salad
A light and refreshing fruit salad made with berries, kiwi, and citrus can be a perfect pairing. The acidity and freshness of the fruit contrast with the dense sweetness of the banana bread, offering a delightful balance of flavors. - Greek Yogurt with Honey
Serve a dollop of Greek yogurt drizzled with a bit of honey alongside your banana bread. The creamy yogurt adds a tangy contrast that enhances the bread’s natural sweetness, making for a satisfying breakfast or a wholesome snack.
FAQ
1. Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour if preferred. For a lighter texture, try using a combination of 1 cup whole wheat flour and ¾ cup all-purpose flour.
2. How can I make this banana bread dairy-free?
To make the banana bread dairy-free, simply substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt (such as almond or coconut yogurt) and use dairy-free butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
3. Can I freeze banana bread?
Absolutely! Banana bread freezes well. Once fully cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. It should keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
4. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
While pure maple syrup is recommended for its flavor and moisture, honey can be used as a substitute in this recipe. However, maple syrup provides a smoother sweetness, so the flavor may slightly differ.
Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe large bananas mashed (approximately 1 1/3 cup mashed banana)
- 2 eggs at room temperature
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup do not substitute with honey
- ½ cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt whole milk or 2% recommended
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons butter melted and cooled (alternatively, use olive oil or melted coconut oil)
- Optional add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips dairy-free if desired
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8 ½ x 4 ½ inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper and greasing the sides to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-integrated.
- In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Carefully add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this could lead to a denser texture.
- Stir in the melted and cooled butter (or coconut oil). At this point, you may fold in your desired add-ins, such as chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips.
- Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared pan. For an extra touch, you may place banana slices on top of the batter before baking. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the banana bread into 12 pieces. For a quick breakfast or snack, top with nut butter for an added layer of flavor and nutrition.
Notes
If you have the extra time, consider browning the butter for enhanced flavor. To brown the butter, warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly until it turns golden amber and releases a nutty aroma. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before adding to the batter.
Enjoy this wholesome, moist banana bread as a delicious breakfast or snack, and experiment with different add-ins to make it your own.
