Skinny Banana Bread

This recipe for skinny banana bread incorporates wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt, applesauce, and whole wheat flour for a moist, flavorful, and healthier twist on a classic favorite.

Why Make Banana Bread Healthier?

Indulge in the guilt-free delight of homemade skinny banana bread with this wholesome recipe! Packed with nutritious ingredients like Greek yogurt, applesauce, and whole wheat flour, this bread offers a delicious twist on a classic favorite while keeping saturated fats to a minimum. By incorporating natural sweeteners and nutrient-rich alternatives to traditional baking staples, such as olive oil instead of butter, this recipe not only satisfies cravings but also supports a healthier lifestyle. Whether you're seeking a nutritious breakfast option, a satisfying snack, or a wholesome dessert, this skinny banana bread is sure to impress with its moist texture and delightful flavor. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a wholesome indulgence that's as good for your taste buds as it is for your well-being!

Ingredients Needed For Low Fat Banana Bread

This skinny banana bread uses a few easy healthy swaps to improve the nutritional content. Let's take a look at them:

• Dark brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
• Extra light olive oil: Contributes moisture and richness to the bread without altering the flavor.
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the bread.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
• Plain applesauce: Acts as a substitute for oil or butter, adding moisture and texture.
• Nonfat plain Greek yogurt: Adds moisture, richness, and a slight tanginess to the bread.
• Bananas: Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and banana flavor. Make sure your bananas are suuuuper ripe!
• Whole wheat flour: Adds fiber and nutrients, contributing to a denser texture and nuttier flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Helps lighten the texture of the bread.
• Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the bread rise.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and flavor to the bread.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.

How To Make This Banana Bread

To make skinny banana bread, preheat your oven to 325°F and grease two loaf pans. In a large bowl, mix together brown sugar, eggs, olive oil, vanilla extract, honey, applesauce, and Greek yogurt. Add mashed bananas and stir until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine both flours, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined. Divide the batter evenly between the loaf pans and bake for 40-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Once cooled, store leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container. Enjoy your delicious and healthier banana bread!

What Is Extra Light Olive Oil?

Extra light olive oil is a type of olive oil that has a lighter flavor and color compared to other varieties of olive oil. It is often more refined and has undergone a higher level of processing, resulting in a milder taste and a higher smoke point, making it suitable for baking, frying, and other high-heat cooking methods. Despite its name, "extra light" refers to its flavor and color rather than its calorie content or fat content; it still contains the same amount of calories and fat as other types of olive oil.

I use Bertolli's Extra Light Tasting olive oil when baking with olive oil.

This Recipe Is Low In Saturated Fat!

It's beneficial that this recipe for skinny banana bread is low in saturated fat because consuming high amounts of saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues. By using healthier ingredients like olive oil, Greek yogurt, and applesauce instead of traditional sources of saturated fat like butter or shortening, this recipe provides a lower-fat option that can contribute to better heart health and overall well-being. Additionally, reducing saturated fat intake can help manage weight and lower cholesterol levels. Therefore, opting for a low-saturated fat recipe like this one promotes better health outcomes.

Love Walnuts? Add Them!

Elevate the flavor and texture of this already delightful skinny banana bread recipe by incorporating ½ cup of chopped walnuts! Adding walnuts not only introduces a satisfying crunch but also infuses the bread with rich, nutty undertones that complement the sweetness of the bananas perfectly. These heart-healthy nuts bring additional nutritional benefits to the table, boasting omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber.

Storage and Freezing Instructions For Low Fat Banana Bread

Before you store your banana bread, make sure that it has cooled completely while resting on the counter on a cooling rack. You can place the loaf in an airtight container, in a zip-top storage bag, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Bread can be kept at room temperature for 2 days, but should be kept in the refrigerator or frozen past that point for best quality.

To Freeze: wrap bread tightly in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer-safe storage bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality (it will last longer than this if kept properly frozen, however)

To Thaw: Remove wrapped bread from bag and allow to thaw on the counter. Slice and serve as usual.

Want More? Try my Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread next!

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Thank you so much for visiting my blog and creating your own skinny banana bread at home!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this banana bread without Greek yogurt?

• Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with an equal amount of sour cream or regular yogurt for similar moisture and texture.

Can I use regular brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?

• Yes, you can use regular brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar; however, dark brown sugar adds a deeper flavor due to its higher molasses content.

Can I use vegetable oil instead of extra light olive oil?

• Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil or canola oil for extra light olive oil, but keep in mind that the nutritional profile will change.