A healthy banana bread recipe that is easy to make and is moist, has no refined sugar, and can be easily made into muffins! This whole wheat banana bread is made with coconut oil and with chocolate chips!
One of my favorite things in life is having overripe bananas. It’s like they are begging for me to bake with them. I have been trying to come up with fun and creative ways to use them in recipes but everyone needs a banana bread recipe, am I right?
An easy banana bread recipe is a staple in every household. This recipe is so simple to make that I always suggest people start here when they want to create a healthier creation to take somewhere.
If you love banana bread, but want to make sure it is a little bit healthier, this nutritious recipe is for you! It is literally meant for mornings when you wake up and want something easy for breakfast and remember that you prepared a big loaf of banana bread to have with coffee!
This banana bread is made with healthier ingredients like whole wheat flour and coconut oil to replace the traditional ingredients like white flour and canola oil.
Ingredients in healthy banana bread
This recipe is healthier than traditional banana bread because of the nutrient value in the ingredients.
whole wheat flour – this recipe calls for whole wheat flour over white flour for more nutrients. We like to use white whole wheat flour in this recipe, but regular whole wheat flours works as well! To make gluten free, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
coconut oil – my favorite oil for baking is coconut oil. It’s a great healthy replacement for butter or canola oil like traditional recipes call for. Use a refined coconut oil to ensure there is no coconut taste if you don’t like coconut!
ripe bananas – super ripe bananas are key for making this recipe perfectly sweet. With a touch of maple syrup, we create the perfect balance of sweetness.
maple syrup – a touch of maple syrup help adds to the natural sweetness from the bananas, a little goes a long way here!
eggs – haven’t tested this recipe with flax eggs, but if you try it out let me know!
How to make healthy banana bread
This banana bread recipe is seriously easy to make. If you have ten minutes and two little bowls, you can create the most delicious healthy banana bread.
You’ll start by mashing the ripe bananas in one of the bowls.
One of the best tips I have for this recipe and for any banana bread recipe in general is to use a potato masher for when you want to mash your bananas up! It seriously makes them so mushy and perfect for banana bread, and is a lot easier to do than if you were doing it with a fork.
Add in the rest of the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together all of your dry ingredients, then add them to your wet ingredients. Mix until well combined and when combined, add in your chocolate chips.
You can also add in nuts or any other mix-in that you want!
If you find yourself with ripe bananas or just in the mood to make a healthier version of banana bread, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you!
Photos beautifully styled and taken by Sam Florio
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment below and let me know how it was! Also tag @erinliveswhole on Instagram and use the hashtag #erinliveswhole so I can see it and feature you!
Here are some other similar recipes that you may also like!
Healthy Banana Bread
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 50
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
A healthy banana bread recipe that is easy to make and is moist, has no refined sugar, and can be easily made into muffins! This whole wheat banana bread is made with coconut oil and with chocolate chips!
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups white whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 1/3 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
- 2 eggs, whisked + room temperature
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips with more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and prepare 9×5 loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk mashed bananas and eggs until combined.
- Mix in oil, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients to wet and stir to combine.
- Add in any mix-ins – chocolate chips, nuts, etc.
- Pour into greased bread loaf pan.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Enjoy!
- Category: Snack, Dessert
Keywords: healthy banana bread, banana bread, healthy breakfast, whole wheat baking, healthy baking
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Connor says
The only thing I would say is that it took my bread a lot less time than your recipe recommended (~20 mins less), but I realize all ovens are different! I also kind of wish the bread ended up being a little bit more moist. HOWEVER it was still super delicious & I would still make again!! The choco chips are a must add.
★★★★
Erin says
Thanks for letting me know! 🙂
Kendall says
Perfect basic (but healthy) banana bread recipe, always makes huge slices which I love
★★★★★
Erin says
It’s so fluffy isn’t it?! Thanks, Kendall!
Scout says
Can I sub honey for maple syrup?
★★★★★
Erin says
Yes! Should work well.
Lauren Britten says
Hi! I’ve made this several times and it’s always amazing. I’ve now gone vegan, do you think it would work with flax eggs instead?
★★★★★
Erin says
Glad you like it 🙂 and Yes! It should work well with two flax eggs! Let me know if you do decide to try.
Vanessa says
It was delish!!! I love it so much!! Now I can’t stop baking 🙂 but can I put less oil in your “breakfast bread” recipes?
★★★★★
Erin says
I’m so happy you like it! You may be able to use less oil, but i wouldn’t do too much less as it help keeps it moist.
Mafer says
Its the second time I make this in a week and everyone loves it!! Instead of chocolate chip, I’m doing flaked almonds and it’s reallyyyy good!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
That sounds amazing!! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂 Glad you are enjoying
Crystal says
This is now my go to banana bread recipe. I use peanut butter in place of the coconut oil and it is SO GOOD. Thank you for another good healthy baking option!
Crystal says
Sorry! Forgot to rate it…five stars!
★★★★★
Erin says
Thanks Crystal!! I’m so glad you like it 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Jackie says
Hi Erin! Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white whole wheat f?
Erin says
Yes!! Will work great.
Emily Maynard says
I used the flax eggs, 1/2 cup coconut sugar instead of maple syrup, and no chocolate chips. Seriously SO soft, melt in your mouth banana bread! The coconut sugar gives it a caramel flavor, and I’m ALL about banana caramel bread!!
★★★★★
Erin says
LOVE the idea to use coconut sugar, will try that next time!! Glad you enjoyed it!
Gabrielle says
This is now my go-to banana bread recipe!!! Everything is so perfect about it and I just always come back to this one!
★★★★★
Bridget says
This is the absolute BEST banana bread! I’ve tried many healthy banana bread recipes but this one is by far the easiest, fluffiest, simplest, and tastiest. It is so easy to make adjustments (e.g. adding less maple syrup to reduce sugar content) and customize. This will always be my go-to recipe!
★★★★★
Brittany says
Best banana bread recipe that is always my go to!! Have had to make some substitutions here and there (oat flour and honey) depending on what’s in my pantry and it still comes out great! Everyone always loves it. Thank you!!
Carolyn Richards says
So delicious! Received high praise from a 5 year old & was devoured by a 2 year old! Thank you for this healthier version of one of our favorite treats!
★★★★★
Erin says
SO happy everyone loved it! Thanks for sharing.
Meg says
Hi! Could I substitute Greek yogurt for the coconut oil? Also would oat flour work well?