Skinny Low-Calorie Banana Bread
If you're looking for a delicious way to enjoy banana bread without the guilt, this Skinny Low-Calorie Banana Bread is just what you need. It's made with simple ingredients like 2 ripe bananas, 1 cup whole wheat flour, and 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, keeping each slice at only 120 calories. Plus, the prep time is only 10 minutes! Let's explore how to make this satisfying treat that's perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
You'll find that this skinny low-calorie banana bread isn't only delicious but also a guilt-free treat.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, and Greek yogurt, it's nutritious and satisfying.
- Low in Calories: With just 120 calories per slice, you can enjoy it without worrying about your diet.
- Versatile: You can customize it! Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Quick to Make: It takes only about 10 minutes to prep, so you can have fresh banana bread in no time.
This recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. You'll feel great serving it to friends and family!
Recipe
Banana bread is a beloved classic that can often be heavy on calories and sugar, but this skinny, low-calorie version allows you to indulge without the guilt. Made with ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, and natural sweeteners, this recipe isn't only healthier but also packed with flavor. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert, this banana bread is sure to please everyone in the family.
To achieve the perfect texture and taste, it's essential to use overripe bananas, as they provide natural sweetness and moisture. The addition of Greek yogurt keeps the bread moist while reducing the need for extra fats. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious loaf that isn't only satisfying but also nutritious. So, gather your ingredients and let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step is crucial to ensure your banana bread comes out of the pan smoothly after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. The mixture should be creamy with no lumps from the banana.
- In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and whole wheat flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser loaf. If desired, fold in the walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is important, as it helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. If you prefer a sweeter banana bread, feel free to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrupor maple syrupto your liking. You can also experiment by adding spices like nutmeg or incorporating dried fruits for variety. This skinny banana bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy your deliciously healthy banana bread!
Final Thoughts
Making this skinny, low-calorie banana bread is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic treat without compromising your health goals. You'll love how simple and satisfying it is.
Healthier Ingredients: Using ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, and Greek yogurt makes this bread moist and flavorful.
Portion Control: Slice into 12 pieces, each around 100 calories, perfect for guilt-free snacking.
Storage Tips: Keep it in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze slices for later.
As you savor each bite, know you've made a delicious choice that fits your lifestyle. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy baking this delightful banana bread. You won't regret it!