Simple Healthy Banana Bread is made with a few nutritious ingredients like whole wheat flour & applesauce. Easy to make-it’s great for breakfast or a snack! No refined sugar necessary for this super healthy banana bread – it’s delicious all on it’s own!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my policy and more about affiliate links. This post was originally shared in 2017 but has since been updated.
This Healthy Banana Bread is seriously THE BEST. I know that is a very bold statement, but it’s true.
It’s naturally sweetened with only bananas, honey and applesauce (no refined sugar!), packed with whole grains, and perfectly moist!
Easy to make with basic pantry staples, this Healthy Banana Bread will definitely be a favorite in your house!
Now.. you might be thinking.. healthy banana bread? How could this be?! But I promise you would NEVER even know that this banana bread is made with good-for-you ingredients. Just in case you’re wondering…
Is Banana Bread Healthy?
Normally it’s not. However, this banana bread is still a treat and much healthier than regular banana bread!
- Whole wheat flour– I used whole wheat flour in this recipe rather than bleached white flour. Whole wheat flour is a great source of whole grains and much better for you than regular white flour! This is the whole wheat flour I like
- Low in sugar – This recipe is sweetened only by ripe bananas, a touch of honey and applesauce. (and some chocolate chips for good measure) Many banana bread recipes are loaded with sugar, but this has only 19g of all natural sugar per slice.
- Heart healthy fats – Instead of using butter or canola oil, this recipe uses coconut oil to keep it moist, and it also has some walnuts in it for healthy fats!
You might be wondering.. why is banana bread bad so for you? Typical banana bread is loaded with sugar, high in fat, and won’t really do much to keep you full. This banana bread is so much better for you!
Is banana bread healthy or unhealthy?
Most banana bread recipes aren’t good for you as they’re loaded with sugar, far and carbs. This healthy banana bread is great if you’re looking for a healthy treat!
Is banana bread bad for weight loss?
Any bread is going to be high in carbs and sugar. This combo doesn’t often keep you full and can make you crave more sweets, so if you’re looking to lose weight – banana bread every day probably isn’t the best thing for you. However – we believe in all things in moderation!
Is banana bread healthier than normal bread?
Not really. Banana bread has more calories, sugar and fat than a regular slice of bread.
Now, let’s get into baking this banana bread.
Healthy Banana Bread Recipe Ingredients
To make this bread you’ll need the following:
- Bananas
- Coconut Oil
- Honey
- Egg
- Applesauce
- Flour
- Cinnamon, ground ginger
- Chocolate Chips
- Walnuts
- Baking Powder + Baking soda
How to make Healthy Banana Bread
Making this low sugar banana bread SO easy. First, gather all your ingredients.
- Mash your bananas. I like to use a fork and usually pop the bananas in a microwave for about 20 seconds before mashing so they’re easier to work with.
- Whisk in your wet ingredients until smooth: honey, applesauce, egg white + coconut oil.
- Add in your dry ingredients: wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices.
- Add in chocolate chips and walnuts (the best part!!) You can omit walnuts if you have a nut allergy or don’t like them. Pecans also work.
- Pour batter in a greased 8×4 loaf pan. See below for tips on how to not get your bread to stick to the pan. Bake per instructions.
There are many substitutions for this recipe listed below!
To me, banana bread is not only delicious, but brings back such great memories.
Growing my grandma would often make mini banana loaf cakes for me, and I can remember enjoying it before I went to school in the mornings.
She still makes these cakes for us, and they’re still just as delicious, but I love my own twist on her recipe with this Healthy Banana Bread recipe!
She still makes these cakes for us, and they’re still just as delicious, but I love my own twist on her recipe with this Healthy Banana Bread recipe!
Banana Bread Recipe Healthy Substitutions
This bread is pretty versatile. Here are a few ways you can customize it!
To make gluten free: replace whole wheat flour with Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Flour
To make vegan: replace 1 egg white with 1 flax egg. Sub honey with maple syrup
To make nut free: simply omit walnuts.
Honey : You can substitute honey with maple syrup.
Flour: You can replace whole wheat flour with white flour but your bread might be a little more dense. I would not recommend almond flour, coconut flour, or oat flour
Spices: You can omit the ginger and nutmeg if you don’t have any. Add a little bit more cinnamon to compensate!
Nuts: You can use pecans instead of walnuts
Healthy Banana Bread Muffins: Pour the batter into greased or lined muffin tins. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of the muffin.
Mini Loaves – I haven’t tried making this recipe into mini loaves, but I think it would work! Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of the loaf pan.
Whether you enjoy this healthy banana bread for a breakfast treat or with a cup of coffee as an afternoon snack – I think you’ll find that it’s tasty and comforting. The warm gooey chocolate chips + crunchy walnuts add even more flavor and fun to it!
Is banana bread a healthy snack? In moderation, yes! We wouldn’t eat this bread every day – but it’s a fun healthy snack from time to time!
How to Store This Low Calorie Banana Bread
Storing Banana Bread: You can store this bread covered on your counter for a few days, but I recommend keeping it in the refrigerator for maximum freshness! It will last up to a week in the refrigerator – but will lose it’s freshness after about 3 days on the counter.
How to freeze Banana Bread: You can slice this bread and individually wrap it or freeze it whole. To defrost a whole loaf – take it out the night before you’d like to enjoy it and set it in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to serve – pop in the microwave. If you’re defrosting a single slice, you can put it directly in the microwave or toaster oven until it is warm.
My banana bread is sticking to the pan..help!
I typically grease my pan liberally with coconut oil. You can also line a pan with parchment paper . Allow the bread to cool completely for about one hour before trying to take it out of the pan.
You can also run a butter knife along the edges of the pan to help loosen the bread before taking it out.
Healthy Banana Bread FAQs
For best results, your bananas should be brown and spotty like in the photos. As bananas ripen they get sweeter and softer, making them perfect for banana bread!
However, as long as your bananas aren’t green, you can make this recipe. Yellow bananas will work just fine. I recommend microwaving them for about 20-30 seconds so they are easier to mash!
We wouldn’t recommend trying to make banana bread less moist, but adding more flour should result in a dryer bread.
There isn’t really a difference between banana bread and banana cake. Typically banana bread is baked in a loaf pan while banana cake is baked in a 9×13 cake pan.
You shouldn’t eat banana bread right out of the oven. If you take bread out of the pan right away it can sink or make the bread fall apart. Wait 10-15 minutes until the bread has cooled a bit before eating.
It’s best to make this banana bread with whole wheat flour as the recipe recommends but you can also use regular white flour. Different flours require different ingredients to make a bread so be careful when making substitutions.
More Healthy Bread Recipes:
We love baking healthier breads. Here are some of our favorites!
- Healthy Apple Cider Bread
- Healthy Zucchini Banana Bread
- Healthy Lemon Blueberry Bread
- Healthy Gingerbread Loaf
- Healthy Zucchini Bread
Healthy Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups ripe bananas mashed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- 1 egg white
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted + cooled to room temp
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup walnuts chopped (plus extra for sprinkling on top)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a greased 8×4 loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mash bananas with a fork until slightly clumpy. You can microwave them for 20 seconds prior to mashing to make it easier.
- Stir in honey, applesauce, egg white, and oil to banana mixture.
- Add in whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda and spices
- Fold in walnuts and chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into greased 8×4 loaf pan. Optional: sprinkle with a handful of chips and walnuts on top. Bake for 40 -45 minutes until a toothpick or cake tester comes out completely clean when inserted in the center of the bread.
- Allow the bread to cool for 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Madison | A Joyfully Mad Kitchen
We’ve made this banana bread a handful of times! It is such a yummy recipe and I love that it’s low in sugars!
The Clean Eating Couple
I’m so glad you like it!! 🙂
Toni
Love this recipe! So easy & delicious. We make it often; as soon as our bananas get too ripe to eat, this banana bread is made.
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you Toni! Glad you like it! It’s the perfect way to use up bananas 🙂
Jenn
I’ve made this almost once a week since the first time I tried it! I nanny for 2 VERY picky eaters and they request this banana bread all the time. It’s so easy to make and absolutely delicious!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you like it, Jenn!! Love that your picky eaters love it too 🙂
Madison
Can’t wait to make this recipe again! This healthy banana bread is so good and easy to make!
The Clean Eating Couple
It’s one of my favorites too! I’m so glad you like it 🙂
Anonymous
it cannot be 280 calories. it maybe yummy, but so are other high calorie cakes. good way to make money referring products (doesnt matter if you have mentioned that you have affilite links in bold or not) and misleading people
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi There! I think you’re misunderstanding. Regarding the nutrition facts, I’m not misleading anyone. Here’s a link to the nutrition fact calculation on myfitness pal where you can see ALL the ingredients are clearly measured and calculated to give accurate nutrition information. The bread is 280 calories per serving, and you will get 8 servings per loaf (which is also clearly stated) https://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/view/98285959147261
It’s linked within the blog post, and I would never ‘mislead’ someone by posting a false nutrition label. That would be ridiculous
As for the affiliate links – I’m sorry they bothered you, but quite frankly – this is my job and if I want to make a small commission by linking products on my website where I’m providing you with FREE content, I’m going to continue to do so. I clearly disclaim that there are affiliate links, as you noticed.
Lastly, I just wanted to remind you that when you type out nasty comments behind your computer screen that there is a REAL person that reads them. Have you ever heard the saying if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all? If not – maybe you consider putting that into practice.
Have an awesome day!
Varnica
I LOVE your banana bread recipe! have basically been making the same thing, but adding the applesauce was a game changer! Also, got to say, I love your response to the nasty comment above. Your site is awesome!
The Clean Eating Couple
I’m so glad you like it, Varnica!! And thank you LOL! Mean people are the worst!
Morgan
My kids and I love this banana bread! My kids ask to make this all the time.
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you and your family like it, Morgan! Thank you so much!
Alex
So easy to throw together! Hands down my favorite banana bread recipe. I bought bananas last week on purpose to let them brown and make this today! So delicious! And healthy!!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you like it, Alex! Thank you!!
Tina Marie
These turned out great as mini muffins! I used a chia egg and pure maple syrup, and left out the nuts and chocolate. The tops get a nice crispy texture and they are so moist!!! My toddler loves them and I’m happy because there’s no refined sugar. I will definitely be checking out some more of your recipes! Thank you!
The Clean Eating Couple
I’m so glad you and your little one like them, Tina! I’m going to have to try it with a chia egg and in mini muffin form! Such a fun way to enjoy it 🙂
Ricardo Vazquez
What is the spread you put on the banana bread?
Thanks
The Clean Eating Couple
It’s just peanut butter 🙂 You don’t have to put anything on it, but peanut butter is delicious!
[email protected]
I like to put peanut butter on banana bread too. So good haha 🙂
The Clean Eating Couple
Totally!! It makes it sooo much yummier!
Annie
I have made this banana bread soo many times and I have to say it’s delicious and I love that there it is naturally sweetened. My kids, 18 month old twins and my 3 year old love it soo much. My 3 year old actually helps to make it and gets soo excited about it, lol. Anyways, thank you for a wonderful recipe. Keep them coming!!!!
The Clean Eating Couple
I’m so glad you like it, Annie!! And that your kids love it 🙂 That makes me so happy to hear!
Mare Dougherty
Followed the recipe exactly as stated but bread was extremely dry,any suggestions? Thanks !
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi Mare – I’m sorry but I’m not sure why that would happen. I’ve had hundreds of people make this recipe with no issues! Are you sure you used the correct ingredients + baked it at the right temperature?
Amanda
I had a couple bananas that were getting too ripe and I wanted to make a healthier banana bread. I am so glad I came across this recipe. I made it for the first time yesterday and it came out great. I also loved that this recipe didn’t require dumping sugar and butter in it! The whole family loved it and I will be making it again for sure.
The Clean Eating Couple
I’m so glad you liked it, Amanda!! You totally don’t need a bunch of butter/sugar for a delicious treat!
Nadine
Absolutely loved this recipe! Easy to follow, and tasted so yummy! Definitely be making it again! 😋
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you so much, Nadine!! I’m glad you liked the banana bread!
Melissa Levato
My kids and I love to make this banana bread. We leave out the nuts, personal preference. It is usually only around for the day!
The Clean Eating Couple
It makes me so happy to hear that you + your kids love this! Thank you so much, Melissa!
Dawn
Would this be good for a diabetic?
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi Dawn – I’m not a nutritionist/dietitian. You’d need to do your own research on if this is an appropriate treat for a diabetic as I’m not sure.
Theresa
First time making your recipe! My boys requested banana bread and I came across your clean eating (low sugar!! Yay!!) recipe! I even threw in dark chocolate cocoa that I had available:) So Yum!! Thank you!!!
The Clean Eating Couple
I’m so glad you liked it, Theresa! The dark chocolate cocoa sounds like a yummy addition!
Brianne
The best banana bread! Throwing out the recipe I’ve been using for years! Don’t need it! The ginger is such a fun flavor surprise, and the loaf came out so moist! Love!! Will be on the rotation!
The Clean Eating Couple
I’m so glad you like it, Brianne!! Thank you so much!
Joanna Lame
Can you freeze the loaf? I’m planning on making three loaves.
Joanna Lame
It’s delicious BTW! I make mine with a nut flour blend.
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi Joanna! So glad you like the bread. I haven’t ever frozen it, but I don’t see why it would be a problem. I’d just defrost it the night before you want to serve, or however you normally defrost breads!
Nikki
This bread is soooo frickin delicious! I made it to have a piece with my coffee this morning and ate half the loaf and had to stop myself from eating more!! But I dont even feel guilty for eating it because its pretty dang healthy!! So go make this right away!!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thanks Nikki!! So glad you enjoyed it.. it’s hard to eat just one piece 🙂
nikki
Im making this again right now because im craving it!! haha 😀
The Clean Eating Couple
Yay!! So glad you like it, Nikki!
Toni
Tried this and the whole family loved it!! Always great when there is a recipe everyone loves.
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you enjoyed it, Toni!
Kelly
Very yummy recipe! I love me a good banana bread and this did not disappoint. I did not have whole wheat flour so I just used regular AP flour (insert gasp here haha) and it turned out just fine! Super moist – to the point where I questioned if it was cooked all the way through. And my daughter decided on 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to add to it! 🙂 Will definitely make again.
The Clean Eating Couple
Glad you liked it, Kelly! And that the flour sub worked 🙂 Enjoy!!
Tegan
Great recipe, I make mine gluten free 🙂 thanks for an awesome site, I reference it often for meal planning.
The Clean Eating Couple
Thanks, Tegan! What flour do you typically use to make it gluten free?
Liv
I made the gluten free version as muffins and they were delicious! Super moist and were a hit with the kiddos as well.
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it, Liv!
Jenna R
I love that this recipe had very few ingredients, is so flavorful and MOIST (I know everyone hates that word but come on it’s banana bread!). I’ve also made it into muffins and just kept an eye on them because they bake in 1/4 of the time and they are delicious. Recipe also freezes very well!!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it, Jenna! Love that you turned them into muffins too!
Kayla D.
So Good! Love that it does not have any added sugar yet still sweet and delicious! Super easy comes together fast! Have made it twice in the past week!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thanks, Kayla! Glad you’re enjoying it 🙂
Melanie
Loved this recipe! Texture and flavor was spot on. I usually make banana bread with chocolate chips only, but I love how this one combines the two. Really nice balance of flavors. And my husband approved!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you so much, Melanie! So glad you both liked it 🙂
Amanda Kass
Oh my gosh, loved this banana bread so much! I made some for my husband and me, my dad, and my grandma. I just can’t help myself to keep sharing this recipe to others. YUM!!!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you so much, Amanda! So glad your family enjoyed it!
Elizabeth Taylor
This is the best! I never thought about adding chocolate chips into banana bread but it really adds such a yummy touch to the bread! You would never know this doesn’t have sugar in it! So sweet and delicious!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it, Elizabeth!!
Karen Rosent
This recipe was delish! I am glad my son showed me your page. Thanks.
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it, Karen! Thank you so much!
Katie
This recipe is a staple in our house. My kids love it so much!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thanks, Katie! So glad you all enjoy it 🙂
Adela
Perfect recipe for our taste. I’ve made several banana breads with different recipes. There is one that I loved but it was too complicated and too much work. Your recipe however was easy, used all natural ingredients, and very, very delicious. This is a keeper recipe and will be the one to use on a regular basis. Thank you.
The Clean Eating Couple
Thanks, Adela! We try to keep all of our recipes simple, easy to make and delicious 🙂
Suzanne
What is the reason for only using the egg white & not the yolk.
The Clean Eating Couple
Egg whites add volume and act as a drying and leavening agent.
Toni
Love this recipe! It is so easy to make & delicious to eat. As soon as we have ripe bananas; this ricipe is made. 👍👍
The Clean Eating Couple
Thanks, Toni! It’s the best way to use up ripe bananas!
Paula Dubecky
Best banana bread ever.! Used Bibs 1:1 GF flour so my GF daughter could eat it. It was so good our family of 5 ate it in 1 day. Next time I’ll make a couple loaves!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you, Paula!! Bob’s makes the best GF flour 🙂
Monica Maxwell
The best banana bread I’ve ever made! Love it with chocolate chips. Kids love it too, they usually eat it all before I get one slice. Thanks!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thanks, Monica! Chocolate chips make everything better 🙂
Kira Weber
Really good and the texture was great!
The Clean Eating Couple
Glad you enjoyed them, Kira!
'Tara Flanagan'
Who doesn’t love banana bread with chocolate chips? Easy to make and with more healthful ingredients than many bb recipes, this bread tastes soooooo good. The applesauce gives it a soft sweetness and lovely, moist texture, I tossed in some chia seeds just for fun.
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you like it, Tara! Love the chia seed addition 🙂
Katie
Can I use canned pumpkin in place of banana for this? How would I adapt the cooking times if I wanted to make muffins instead of bread, or would it cook the same?
The Clean Eating Couple
I have not tried using canned pumpkin in this so I’m not sure. If you’re looking for a pumpkin muffin recipe – try this one!
As for muffins – it’s noted in the substituions: Healthy Banana Bread Muffins: Pour the batter into greased or lined muffin tins. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of the muffin.
Tianna
SO GOOD. There are a million banana bread recipes out there but I love that this one has all good ingredients that you feel much better/healthier about eating. It was delish would definitely make again!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you so much! So glad you liked it 🙂
Cate
This bread is SO GOOD! I always get nervous making “healthy” versions of baked goods, but I will continue to make this recipe again and again.
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you enjoyed it, Cate! Thank you so much!
Nichole
I seen a few other recipes for banana bread the other day and I remembered it has been a little while since I last made a quad batch. With growing, always hungry teen boys multiple loaves is a must! This banana bread is inhaled by them that I I don’t even mention it’s healthy! Pros sky wouldn’t matter anyways!! They love it and now this is definitely on the baking list when it will feel like fall next week!!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you so much, Nichole! I’m so glad you + your boys enjoy it!!
Kim
This was the best banana bread I’ve ever made! And it’s a bonus that it’s healthier too! Thank you’
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you so much, Kim! I’m glad you enjoy it!
Abby
This is seriously the BESTTT banana bread recipe I’ve ever tried. Ok, ok. You read those comments on other blogs/recipes/reviews, etc but this banana bread recipe is the most delicious bread in all the land. If you don’t give it a try you will miss out. I make this all. the. time. Make it! Thank you Liz for gracing us with this recipe ☺️
The Clean Eating Couple
You are too sweet, Abby!! Thank you!!
Lauren
The only banana bread i ever make now!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you like it, Lauren!
Carrie
This was a really easy recipe. My kids loved it and it was really tasty and moist. Definitely making again, it was gone in 1 day!
The Clean Eating Couple
Love hearing this, Carrie! Thank you!
Jen
SOSOSOOOOOOO GOOD!!!! Amazing texture (dare I say moist!) and seemingly decadent yet healthier than banana bread often loaded with butter and oil. I reduced the amount of choc chips and walnuts a bit and it was still perfection! Thanks for sharing!!!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thanks, Jen! So happy you liked it!
Candy
Made this yesterday. So good and so easy!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it, Candy!
Katie Hartman
This bread is so good, really moist and the prefect amount of sweetness. I wasn’t sure it would be sweet enough , but it is perfect. The chocolate chips add the perfect touch. My new go to recipe, I always check this site first for new recipes, thanks!!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thanks, Katie! So glad you liked it!
Amanda
I have made this a ton of times and love it. I went to make it again yesterday and realized I ran out of whole wheat flour. I subbed in all-purpose flour like the blog mentioned and it still came out great!!
The Clean Eating Couple
So happy to hear this, Amanda!
Michelle
To make it even better, omit oil altogether and just sub apple sauce. You can do that with any recipe and it turns out moist and perfectly delicious. Whatever amount of oil it calls for, use the same amount of applesauce. Been doing this for years and haven’t failed yet. Cheers!
The Clean Eating Couple
I haven’t tried that with this recipe – it already has applesauce and bananas in it so this isn’t something I would recommend but glad it has worked for you with other recipes!
LeeAnn
Oh My Gosh!!! This was amazing. ❤️ It tastes so good and was very light. Thank you for sharing the recipe. I have more bananas. I am going to make them into muffins and freeze them for work.
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it! Thank you!
Deidre
Hi
This recipe looks amazing, and I would really like to try it, but where do I find the quantities for the ingredients…
Thanks!
The Clean Eating Couple
Not sure where you are looking but just use the ‘jump to recipe’ button
Carol
A family favorite ! Always turns out very moist, I also chop up a 90% dark chocolate bar before baking
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you like it! Love the dark chocolate addition!
Emily
The perfect recipe to make with kids. I think they enjoy letting a couple of bananas ripen just so we can make their favorite banana bread. I love that it isn’t too sweet and usually omit the chocolate chips just because my kids like to enjoy multiple servings at a time.
The Clean Eating Couple
So happy you liked it, Emily! Thank you!
Christa
I have tried so many banana bread recipes you wouldn’t believe it. This is the best recipe by far. The bread has so much flavor and isn’t bland. It’s moist and fluffy. I added 1 tsp of vanilla extract. I made 14 muffins following this recipe and baked them for 18 minutes without using liners. I could have eaten several in one setting. I used Lily’s semi-sweet style baking chips that have no added sugar and walnuts. I won’t use another recipe. Thank you so much for posting this!
The Clean Eating Couple
so glad you liked it, Christa! Thank you so much!