Ultimate Healthy Banana Bread

Looking for a perfectly moist, naturally sweetened healthy banana bread recipe? Look no further! This Ultimate Healthy Banana Bread is really ultimate because it truly gets rid of all the bad stuff and still tastes great!

It took me a long time to come up with this recipe. I’ve tried different flours, different sweeteners, and various egg replacers to come up with a vegan banana bread that I could want to eat the whole loaf and not feel guilty about. I do believe that I got it right.

This recipe comes from my favorite non-vegan banana bread recipe out of the Eat, Drink, and be Chinaberry cookbook. That recipe is called “Ultimate Banana Bread” and boy is it good. I’ve played around with this recipe for a while trying to find just the right replacements for many of the ingredients, and I am happy to say that…by George, I’ve found it. Here’s what’s in it!

What’s In Ultimate Healthy Banana Bread?

Flour:

I use organic whole wheat flour in this recipe. Organic wheat flour is considered healthier than conventional wheat flour due to the fact that it is produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can leave residue on the grain. Additionally, organic wheat is often milled from wheat varieties that are higher in nutrients and fiber than those used for conventional flour. However, it’s important to note that organic wheat flour is still a processed food and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Baking Soda, Powder, and Salt:

Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents used in baked goods to make them rise.Baking powder is a combination of an acid (such as cream of tartar) and a base (such as sodium bicarbonate), which, when combined with liquid and heat, creates carbon dioxide gas, causing the dough to expand and rise.

Baking soda, on the other hand, is a base (sodium bicarbonate) that requires an acid to activate it and produce carbon dioxide gas. Baking soda is often used in recipes that contain an acid, such as yogurt, vinegar, or lemon juice.

In baking, it’s important to use the right amount of leavening agent, as too much can lead to an unpleasant flavor and texture, and too little can result in a dense and heavy baked good.

I use a large pinch of salt in this recipe and have found that that’s all it needs. If you need a measurement, stick with a heaping 1/4 teaspoon.
Chia Egg:

I have always tried a flax egg in my banana bread, but for this particular recipe, I liked the chia egg better. What is a chia egg? A chia egg is a vegan egg substitute made by mixing chia seeds with water. When combined, the chia seeds form a gel-like substance that mimics the texture of a raw egg, making it useful as a binding ingredient in many baked goods recipes.

To make a chia egg, simply mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it forms a gel. One chia egg is equivalent to one large egg in recipes.

Date Paste:

Date paste is a natural sweetener made from dates that have been blended into a smooth, spreadable consistency. Dates are a type of fruit that is naturally high in sugar and fiber, making them a healthy alternative to processed sweeteners like white sugar or corn syrup. The dates are soaked in water to soften them, then blended until they form a smooth, thick paste. Date paste can be used as a substitute for sugar in baking or as a sweetener for smoothies and other recipes. It provides a rich, caramel-like flavor and can help to bind ingredients together in recipes, making it a versatile ingredient in vegan and healthy baking.

Check out this link Date Paste to make a great batch of date paste. I use 1 cup for this recipe but if you have leftover you can certainly find some great stuff to sweeten with it. I keep it in my fridge all the time!

Applesauce:

I love the addition of this ingredient because it takes the place of oil in this recipe while adding just a hint more sweetness and a touch of acidity. No oil means fat free and heart healthy!
Plant Milk:

In this particular recipe I used soy milk, but you could use any type of plant milk that you like or have on hand.
Bananas:

We can’t forget the star ingredient here, bananas! Use four medium to large ripe bananas. I like to roughly mash them so I get some thicker bits of banana in some bites, but that’s just my preference. Oh yeah, they also act as a binder since there is no egg in here. Pretty cool.

What Are Some Great Additions To Banana Bread?

I love adding walnuts or chocolate chips to my banana bread. Even better would be to add both! Just stir in 3/4 cup of either chopped walnuts or vegan chocolate chips (or 1/2 cup off each) and you have an even more ultimate Ultimate Healthy Banana Bread!

How Do I Store Banana Bread?

Banana bread can be stored at room temperature for several days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Here are some tips for storing banana bread:

Cool the bread completely: Allow the bread to cool to room temperature before storing it, as this will help to prevent moisture from building up and causing the bread to spoil.
Wrap the bread: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. This will prevent it from drying out and will also help to keep it from absorbing any flavors or odors from other foods in your kitchen.
Store in an airtight container: If you prefer, you can also store the banana bread in an airtight container. This will provide additional protection against moisture and other elements that can cause the bread to spoil.
Freezing banana bread: Banana bread can also be frozen for up to three months. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat the bread, simply thaw it at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

By following these tips, you can keep your banana bread fresh and delicious for several days or even months.

How Does Ultimate Healthy Banana Bread Compare To Regular Banana Bread?

Ultimate Healthy Banana Bread is just a bit more dense than regular banana bread. It has a nice moist soft consistency that I love! It is sweet, but not in the traditional banana bread kind of way. Think sweet bananas instead of a spoon full of sugar. Here’s something to feel good about. Let’s compare the stats:

1 Slice Traditional Banana Bread

229 calories

9g fat

35g carbs

4g protein

2g fiber

1 Slice Ultimate Healthy Banana Bread

131 calories

1g fat

30g carbs

3g protein

4g fiber

Ultimate Healthy Banana Bread for the win!

Now that you are in the know about healthy banana bread, let’s make some!