Banana Bread Recipe
This wholesome banana bread is a delightful treat, crafted with nutritious whole wheat flour, rich Greek yogurt, and naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup. It’s simple to prepare in just one bowl, making it the perfect choice for brunch or a quick snack. Not only is this banana bread a crowd-pleaser, but it can also be easily adapted into muffin form for an on-the-go option.
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
For a slightly lighter texture, you can substitute 1 cup of whole wheat flour with ¾ cup of all-purpose flour.
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.
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.