Healthy Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted a guilt-free treat that tastes like pure comfort, you’re going to adore this Healthy Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe. It’s moist, flavorful, and surprisingly light – a fantastic way to enjoy banana bread without all the extra calories. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and I’m excited to share all my tips so you can nail it on your first try.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Low in Calories: Enjoy banana bread with less guilt thanks to clever ingredient swaps that keep it lighter.
  • Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these pantry staples on hand.
  • Moist and Flavorful: Despite being healthy, it’s never dry or bland – just pure banana goodness.
  • Great for Any Skill Level: Whether you’re a baking newbie or a pro, this recipe guides you through every step easily.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients combine to create a perfectly balanced banana bread that’s both healthy and delicious. I love using oat flour here because it adds natural sweetness and fiber, but you can swap it if needed. Also, using both whole egg and egg white helps keep it moist while reducing calories.

  • Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness without too much fat.
  • Egg white: Keeps the bread light while helping structure.
  • Ripe bananas: The star of the show – make sure they’re super ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Maple syrup or honey: Natural sweeteners that replace refined sugar beautifully.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the banana flavor with a warm touch.
  • Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy spice without calories.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens flavors.
  • Oat flour: Nutty, wholesome, and great for keeping calories in check.
  • Milk of choice: Just enough to get the batter to the right consistency.
  • Baking powder: Gives the bread that lovely rise and fluffy texture.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Healthy Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe my own depending on the day or mood. You can easily switch up add-ins or swap ingredients for different dietary needs. Feel free to experiment – the base is forgiving and versatile.

  • Add nuts or seeds: Adding walnuts or chia seeds gives a great crunch and boosts protein – my family goes crazy for it with walnuts mixed in.
  • Use gluten-free flour: Simply swap oat flour for a gluten-free blend if needed, and the bread still turns out amazing.
  • Make it vegan: Replace the eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk to keep it healthy and vegan-friendly.
  • Spice it up: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a new twist that keeps things exciting.

How to Make Healthy Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 180°C (350°F). I like to line my 20 cm (7.9 inches) loaf pan with parchment paper – it makes removing the bread so much easier. If you don’t have parchment, a light grease with oil works just fine. Trust me, this small step will save you frustration later.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and mash those ripe bananas with a fork until they’re super smooth — the riper, the better here for natural sweetness and moisture. Then stir in your egg, egg white, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until you get a smooth, creamy batter.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Baking Powder

Next, add the oat flour and baking powder right into your banana mixture. Stir it up gently but thoroughly. The batter might look a bit thick here — that’s exactly what you want before adding milk.

Step 4: Adjust the Consistency with Milk

Pour in milk a little at a time, starting with about 1 tablespoon. Give it a stir and check the texture. You want a batter that’s moist and spreadable but not runny. Add up to 3 tablespoons (45 ml) if needed, but don’t overdo it. I discovered this trick when my batter was too watery and the bread came out dense and soggy – lesson learned!

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, but start checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center. When it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is ready. Let it cool in the pan about 15 minutes before carefully removing it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key so slices hold their shape well.

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Pro Tips for Making Healthy Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe

  • Banana Ripeness Matters: Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for that extra sweetness — less need for added sugar.
  • Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined; overmixing can make the bread tough, and nobody wants that.
  • Oven Temperature Accuracy: I always double-check my oven with a thermometer – too hot and banana bread can dry out.
  • Use Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick to check doneness instead of relying solely on bake time – it’s the best fail-safe.

How to Serve Healthy Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe

The image shows a close-up of two thick slices of banana bread stacked on top of each other on a white marbled surface. The bread has a brown, crumbly texture with visible cracks and chunks. Each slice contains pieces of banana embedded inside, showing a mix of light brown, dark brown, and cream colors with a soft, moist look. There are some crumbs scattered around the slices. The background is softly blurred with a light, warm tone. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with a light smear of nut butter or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for texture and added flavor. Sometimes a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey turns it into a sophisticated treat you won’t believe is healthy!

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a cup of herbal tea – perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. If I’m brunching, I like to add scrambled eggs or a green smoothie on the side to balance it out.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I slice the bread into mini bars and arrange them on a platter with seasonal fruits and a dusting of powdered cinnamon for a pretty, shareable display. You can even toast slices lightly and top with mashed avocado and smoked salmon for a savory twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store my banana bread wrapped tightly in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays delicious for about 3 days this way. I like to remind friends not to skip the cooling – warm bread traps moisture and makes it soggy in storage.

Freezing

If I make extra, slicing and freezing banana bread works beautifully. Just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. This is a great way to have healthy snacks ready on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in the toaster oven or regular oven for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect texture — trust me, it makes all the difference.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour in this recipe?

    Absolutely! You can substitute oat flour with all-purpose or whole wheat flour. Keep in mind this might change the texture and calorie count slightly, but the bread will still be tasty. If you use whole wheat, expect a denser loaf with a nuttier flavor.

  2. How ripe should my bananas be for the best banana bread?

    For the best results, use bananas that have lots of brown spots or are mostly brown. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be — plus, they’re easier to mash for a smooth batter.

  3. Can I make this recipe vegan?

    Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk. This swap keeps the recipe vegan while maintaining moisture and structure.

  4. What’s the best way to tell if the banana bread is done?

    The best way is the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, it’s ready. If batter sticks to the toothpick, give it some more time.

  5. How should I store leftover banana bread?

    Once completely cooled, store the banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe has become a favorite in my house for good reason – it’s the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent that everyone can enjoy. I love sharing it with friends because it always surprises people how good banana bread can taste without all the added sugars and fats. I hope you give it a go and fall in love with it too, just like I did!

Print
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Healthy Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe

Healthy Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe

4.5 from 121 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Description

This Low Calorie Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful, and healthier twist on traditional banana bread. Made with ripe bananas, oat flour, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, it’s perfect for a guilt-free snack or breakfast. The recipe is easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients, making it a great choice for a wholesome treat that doesn’t compromise on taste.


Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas (about 7 oz / 200 g total)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg white or one whole egg
  • 45 g (3 tbsp) maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 15 to 45 ml (1 to 3 tbsp) milk of choice (adjust to consistency)

Dry Ingredients

  • 180 g (1 ¾ cups) oat flour or preferred flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ⅙ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 20 cm (7.9 inches) loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until completely smooth. Stir in the egg, egg white, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the oat flour and baking powder into the wet mixture, stirring to combine evenly.
  4. Adjust Batter Consistency: Slowly pour in milk starting with 1 tablespoon and add up to 3 tablespoons as needed until the batter reaches a moist but not runny consistency.
  5. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool Down: Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the loaf pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Storage Directions: Let the banana bread cool completely at room temperature. Store in an airtight container or wrap in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
  • Freezing: Place banana bread in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving, and optionally warm in the oven for a few minutes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
  • Calories: 125
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg