Ah, banana bread! It holds a special place in my heart and my kitchen! Whenever the bananas on my counter start to get those lovely brown spots, I can’t help but feel excited—it’s the universe’s little nudge to whip up some deliciousness. This Low-Calorie Banana Bread recipe is one I absolutely adore because it combines that sweet, moist flavor with a fraction of the calories, making it perfect for snacking or breakfast. Plus, it’s a great way to use up overripe bananas—I mean, who wants to waste perfectly good bananas, right?
I have so many fond memories associated with banana bread. I remember making it with my grandma; she would always say, “A little bit of this, a little bit of that!” No precise measurements! But hey, that spontaneity always led to delicious results. Now, I like to keep it a bit more structured (because, let’s be honest, we all love a good recipe to follow). This version uses wholesome ingredients, making it the perfect guilt-free treat!
### What’s in Low Calorie Banana Bread?
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this banana bread so scrumptious and healthy:
Ripe Bananas: The star of our show! Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, and the riper they are, the better. So don’t shy away from those brown ones!
Unsweetened Applesauce: A fantastic substitute for oil or butter, adding moisture while keeping the calories low. Plus, it brings a slight fruity flavor that complements the bananas.
Honey or Maple Syrup: You can use either option for sweetness. Honey gives a floral touch, while maple syrup adds that signature depth—both are divine!
Almond Milk: Any milk will work, but I love almond milk for its nuttiness. It keeps everything light and dairy-free, making it a great option for everyone!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this magic elixir gives our banana bread that warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: A duo of leavening agents to help our bread rise beautifully.
Salt: Just a smidge! It enhances all the other flavors. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Ground Cinnamon: This warm spice adds a cozy vibe to the bread. Cinnamon and banana are a match made in heaven!
Whole Wheat Flour: It gives our banana bread its structure while adding fiber, making it a healthier option.
Optional Nuts or Chocolate Chips: If you want to kick it up a notch! I’m a huge fan of adding dark chocolate chips for that extra indulgence or walnuts for a lovely crunch.
### Is Low Calorie Banana Bread Good for You?
Absolutely! This banana bread brings together tasty and nutritious ingredients.
Bananas: Packed with potassium, they’re great for your heart and muscles. Plus, they’re naturally sweet, so we can cut down on added sugars.
Applesauce: Low in calories, it contains pectin, which is good for digestion.
Whole Wheat Flour: Unlike regular flour, it retains the bran and germ parts of the grain, meaning it’s full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals—and helps keep you full longer!
However, while it’s healthier than traditional banana bread, it’s still wise to watch portion sizes, especially if adding nuts or chocolate chips—those can add up quickly! Enjoy a slice or two, and you’ll be good to go!
### Ingredients
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
– Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
*Serves: 8 slices*
### How to Make Low Calorie Banana Bread?
Let’s get baking!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it—nobody likes a stuck banana loaf!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), almond milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and whole wheat flour.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just mixed. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, and nobody wants that!
5. If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. For a fancy touch, slice an additional banana lengthwise and place it on top!
7. Bake in your preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing about now!
8. Once it’s baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and enjoy as a delightful snack or a healthy breakfast option!
### A Slice of Wonderful Ideas
Feel free to customize this recipe! You can switch up the spices—try adding a pinch of nutmeg or even a dollop of peanut butter for a richer flavor. Want more texture? Toss in some rolled oats or sunflower seeds! And let me tell you, this banana bread freezes like a champ—slice it up and keep it ready for those late-night cravings or busy mornings.
I hope you give this Low-Calorie Banana Bread a whirl! I promise it will be a hit in your household. Once you take that first slice, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t make it sooner! Let me know how it turns out; I would love to hear your banana bread stories too! 🍌🥖
