After looking at the most popular banana bread recipes on the web, we saw that a typical loaf that uses white flour, butter, sour cream, and refined sugar has anywhere from 244.8 to 248.8 grams of sugar. Now how is that going to help when you're trying to eat healthily and melt your love handles? It's not. But, there's a reason these classic desserts are still around—and it's not just because of their flavor. There's a childhood memory, a family tradition, or a holiday custom that usually brings such a comforting feel along with them. Luckily for you, we've curated some of the best healthy banana bread recipes.
In recipes that call for white flour, which contains nearly no natural vitamins and minerals, switch it out for oat flour or nut meal, which has a higher amount of protein and no additives. This way, you're getting nutritional benefits and a more balanced treat. Swapping out butter for applesauce or sour cream for Greek yogurt are also great alternatives to cut fat and calories and keep the same moist bite you're looking for.
The moist texture and sweet flavor of banana bread are two things that make it so lovable and indulgent. But ripened bananas have a naturally occurring sweet flavor and soft texture, so excessive sugars and fats aren't needed. Keep your traditions going strong with these ingredient swaps in the healthy banana bread recipes below—and then check out these 40 Foods Nutritionists Experts Told Us You Should Be Eating Every Day.
Best-Ever Banana Bread
Greek yogurt gives this banana bread recipe an extra tang, and the chopped nuts add even more flavor.
Get our recipe for the Best-Ever Banana Bread.
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Whole30 Banana Bread Pancakes
Don't have a loaf pan? You can still enjoy the taste of banana bread with this delicious pancake recipe. It's Whole30-compliant, too.
Get our recipe for Whole30 Banana Bread Pancakes.
RELATED: The #1 Unhealthiest Way to Eat Bananas, According to a Dietitian
Paleo Banana Bread
Being on the paleo diet doesn't mean you can't enjoy baked goods! This banana bread recipe is paleo-friendly while still being delicious.
Get our recipe for Paleo Banana Bread.
RELATED: An Easy Paleo Strawberries and Cream Smoothie Recipe
Maria Menounos' Banana Bread
Would this TV host steer you wrong? Menounos shared her recipe for banana bread with Eat This, Not That! ahead of the release of her 2016 cookbook, The EveryGirl's Guide to Cooking, and it's perfect for banana bread purists.
Get the recipe for Maria Menounos' Banana Bread.
Healthy Banana Bread
If you can't imagine banana bread without chocolate chips, we have you covered.
Get the recipe from Well Plated.
RELATED: Easy, healthy, 350-calorie recipe ideas you can make at home.
Banana Bread with Espresso Glaze
Love coffee? You have to try this espresso-glazed banana bread loaf. Game. Changer.
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
RELATED: What Happens To Your Body When You Drink Espresso
Slow Cooker Banana Bread Cake
Crock-Pots for the win! This slow cooker banana bread cake has all of the fruit flavor you love, minus the oven.
Get the recipe from Averie Cooks.
Paleo Chocolate Chip Coconut Flour Banana Bread
Gluten-free and paleo, this banana bread recipe is perfect for those with dietary restrictions. And, yes, there are chocolate chips.
Get the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.
Flourless Banana Bread Bars
If you want a snack you can take on the road, look no further than these banana bread bars. They're way more fun than a traditional loaf!
Get the recipe from Cotter Crunch.
Classic Banana Bread
Looking for a no-frills banana bread recipe? This one has just nine ingredients.
Get the recipe from The Baker Mama.
RELATED: 3 Sourdough Bread Recipes You'll Love
Crock-Pot Banana Bread Quinoa
Sweet quinoa recipes are underrated, and this slow cooker recipe couldn't be easier to perfect.
Get the recipe from The Realistic Nutritionist.
RELATED: Secret Side Effects of Eating Quinoa, Says Science
Slow Cooker Banana Bread with Chocolate Chunks
We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Your slow cooker can do it all. Including making this delicious, chocolatey banana bread.
Get the recipe from The Nut Butter Hub.
RELATED: 50 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes You Shouldn't Live Without
Three-Ingredient Flourless Banana Bread Cookies
Banana bread cookies? Now, we're talking.
Get the recipe from The Big Man's World.
RELATED: 15 Best Holiday Cookie Recipes
Best-Ever High Protein Banana Bread
A banana bread loaded with protein is one you don't want to pass up. This recipe is made with Greek yogurt and protein powder for a protein-packed loaf.
Get the recipe from Nutritionist in the Kitch.
Chocolate Banana Bread
The combination of rich chocolate and sweet banana is one to die for. Using cocoa powder—with the option to omit the chips—makes for a healthy way to reduce the sugar count. This is the perfect comfort food to cozy up to with a nice glass of your favorite nut milk.
Get the recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie.
Get some more healthy dessert recipes:
76 Best Dessert Recipes for Weight Loss
15 Best Healthy Keto Dessert Recipes
10 Delicious Whole30 Dessert Recipes
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