By Karyl Laeving. Updated December 14, 2025. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 128 votes
This Healthy Banana Bread is ultra moist, naturally sweetened, and made in just one bowl with simple pantry ingredients. If you are looking for the best healthy banana bread recipe that stays soft for days, this is the one you will bake again and again.
Table of Contents
Healthy Banana Bread (Moist, One Bowl Recipe)
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist, one-bowl Healthy Banana Bread made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey. Soft crumb, cozy cinnamon flavor, and perfect for breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
3 medium very ripe bananas, mashed (about 360 g)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup maple syrup or honey (80 ml)
1/4 cup neutral oil like avocado or canola, or melted butter (60 ml)
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (60 g)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour (220 g)
1 teaspoon baking soda (5 g)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2 g)
1/4 teaspoon fine salt (1.5 g)
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (60 g) or 1/2 cup chocolate chips (85 g)
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease if desired.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.
3. Whisk in the eggs, maple syrup or honey, oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla until well combined.
4. Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Fold gently just until no dry flour remains.
5. Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake 50 to 60 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool in the pan 15 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a rack before slicing for the best texture.
Notes
Bananas: The riper, the better. Deep brown spots mean more sweetness and moisture.
Do not overmix: Overmixing makes banana bread dense. Fold just until combined.
Pan size: Use a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. If using an 8.5 x 4.5 inch pan, expect a slightly longer bake time.
Storage: Keep tightly wrapped at room temperature up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 7 days.
Freezing: Slice, wrap individually, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently.
Optional add-ins: Add up to 1/2 cup (120 g) blueberries, but toss in a little flour first to reduce sinking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Healthy Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg
About This Healthy Banana Bread
What It Is
Healthy Banana Bread is a lighter, better for you version of classic banana bread made with ripe bananas, wholesome ingredients, and no refined sugar overload. This recipe keeps the familiar cozy flavor while delivering a tender crumb and rich banana aroma.
Why It Works
This recipe relies on ripe bananas for sweetness and moisture, Greek yogurt for structure, and a balanced ratio of wet to dry ingredients. Mixing everything in one bowl prevents overworking the batter, which is key to soft banana bread.
When to Make It
Bake this healthy banana bread for weekday breakfasts, lunchbox snacks, cozy weekends, or when you have overripe bananas on the counter. It freezes beautifully and works year round.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Banana Bread
- One bowl and no mixer required
- Naturally sweetened and family friendly
- Moist texture that never turns dry
- Easy to customize with add ins
- Perfect for breakfast or snack
Key Ingredients and Notes
Ripe Bananas
Use bananas with deep brown spots for the best healthy banana bread. Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash easily, creating moisture without extra sugar. According to Healthline, ripe bananas contain more antioxidants and are easier to digest.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein while keeping the loaf moist. It also helps create a tender crumb without excess oil. Plain unsweetened yogurt works best.
Maple Syrup or Honey
Both options sweeten naturally. Maple syrup gives a deeper flavor while honey adds floral notes. BBC Good Food recommends liquid sweeteners for evenly sweet baked goods.
Whole Wheat Flour
Whole wheat flour adds fiber and structure. You can substitute all purpose flour if preferred. King Arthur Baking explains that whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture, which helps banana bread stay soft.
Cinnamon and Vanilla
These warm flavors enhance banana sweetness and make the loaf smell incredible while baking.
How to Make Healthy Banana Bread
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas (about 360 g) until mostly smooth.
- Whisk in 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup (80 ml) maple syrup or honey, ¼ cup (60 ml) neutral oil, ¼ cup (60 g) Greek yogurt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Sprinkle 1¾ cups (220 g) flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt over the wet ingredients.
- Gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in optional add ins like walnuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for the Best Healthy Banana Bread
- Measure mashed bananas for accuracy. Too much banana makes the loaf dense.
- Mix gently to avoid tough bread. Stop when no dry flour remains.
- Tent loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Let the loaf cool fully before slicing for clean cuts.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal.
- Store covered to maintain moisture.
- Toast slices lightly for an extra cozy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
- High Protein: Add two tablespoons of protein powder and one extra tablespoon yogurt.
- Gluten Free: Use a 1 to 1 gluten free baking flour.
- Dairy Free: Swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt.
- Chocolate Chip: Stir in ½ cup dark chocolate chips for a treat similar to these Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies (Soft & High Protein) from Flavor & Recipes.
- No Bake Inspired: Serve with No-Bake Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Cups (High Protein) for a trending dessert pairing.
For another trending banana based snack, try the popular 3 Ingredient Banana Nice Cream (Creamy & Dairy-Free) which readers love for summer.
Serving and Storage
Serving
Serve slices warm with nut butter, Greek yogurt, or fresh berries. This healthy banana bread pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
Storage
- Room temperature: Up to 3 days tightly wrapped
- Refrigerator: Up to 7 days
- Freezer: Up to 3 months, sliced and wrapped
Reheating
Warm slices in the microwave for 15 seconds or toast lightly.
FAQs About Healthy Banana Bread
Can I make healthy banana bread without sugar?
Yes. Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness. You can reduce the maple syrup to ¼ cup or omit it if bananas are very ripe.
Why is my banana bread dry?
Dry banana bread is usually caused by too much flour or overbaking. Use a kitchen scale if possible and check doneness early.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely. Thaw fully and drain excess liquid before mashing.
Is healthy banana bread good for breakfast?
Yes. This recipe contains fiber, protein, and natural sweetness, making it a balanced breakfast option.
Can I add oats?
Yes. Replace ¼ cup flour with quick oats for added texture.
Conclusion
This Healthy Banana Bread proves that simple ingredients and one bowl are all you need for a moist, cozy, and reliable loaf. It is beginner friendly, freezer friendly, and endlessly adaptable. If you loved this recipe, leave a rating, drop a comment, or share your banana bread photos. Sign up for the Flavor & Recipes newsletter for more trending healthy bakes.
