Reduced Calorie Banana Bread
Indulge in the guilt-free goodness of Reduced Calorie Banana Bread, a healthier twist on a classic comfort treat that's bursting with natural sweetness and hearty flavor. This moist and tender loaf is made with ripe bananas, protein-packed plain Greek yogurt, and unsweetened applesauce to cut back on calories without sacrificing taste. Whole wheat flour adds a wholesome touch, while a hint of cinnamon and vanilla brings a warm, aromatic depth to every bite. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup (or honey) and featuring optional dark chocolate chips or nuts for added texture, this banana bread is perfect as a nutritious breakfast, snack, or dessert. Ready in just over an hour and easy to make with pantry staples, it’s a go-to recipe for those seeking a low-calorie baking option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas
- 0.25 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat or low-fat)
- 1 large egg (or egg substitute)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped nuts, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Peel and mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
Add the unsweetened applesauce, plain Greek yogurt, egg, vanilla extract, and maple syrup to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
If using, fold in the dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts gently into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
156 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.2 g | 3% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 19 mg | 6% | |
| Sodium | 188 mg | 8% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.0 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.8 g | ||
| Protein | 5.3 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 31 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 280 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
