• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
freebie! download my top 8 dessert recipe ebook

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Erin Lives Whole

Healthy Eats + Delicious Treats

  • Recipe Index
    • Course
      • Appetizers
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch & Dinner
      • Dessert
      • Soup
      • Sides
      • Drinks
      • Snacks
      • Sauces & Dips
    • Dessert Type
      • Bars & Balls
      • Breads & Muffins
      • Brownies
      • Cakes
      • Candy
      • Cookies
      • Frozen
      • Pie & Cobbler
      • Other
    • Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Paleo Friendly
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • Method
      • 30 Minute or Less
      • Air Fryer
      • Grill
      • Instant Pot
      • Meal Prep
      • No Bake
      • One Pot/Pan
      • Oven
      • Stove Top
    • Season
      • Fall
      • Holiday
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
    • Recipe Filter
    • All Recipes
  • Ebooks
  • Shop
  • Lifestyle
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
  • Subscribe to receive latest recipes

    Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

  • Browse by Diet
    • Gluten-Free
    • Dairy-Free
    • Nut-Free
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Drinks
  • Snacks
  • Dessert
  • Appetizers
Home By Meal Breakfast

Healthy Banana Bread

★★★★★ 83 Reviews Recipe Print
By: Erin3/31/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

healthy banana bread

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!

healthy banana bread slice

The healthiest banana bread recipe

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.

healthy banana bread slices

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 1 3/4 cups of whole wheat flour over white flour for more nutrients. We like to use white whole wheat flour in this recipe, but regular whole wheat flour works as well!
  • Baking Soda – The teaspoon of baking soda helps the bread rise so it is lighter and less dense.
  • Salt – You’ll need 1/2 a teaspoon of salt to enhance all of the other flavors.
  • Cinnamon – The teaspoon of cinnamon makes the bread bolder and richer without adding more sugar.
  • Bananas – Super ripe bananas are key for making this recipe perfectly sweet. You’ll need about 3 large bananas or 1 1/3 cup mashed bananas.
  • Eggs – Whisk two eggs. They will need to be room temperature for the bead to turn out perfectly.
  • 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! You will use 1/2 a cup.
  • Maple Syrup – a touch of maple syrup help adds to the natural sweetness from the bananas, a little goes a long way here! I used 1/2 a cup.
  • Vanilla Extract – One teaspoon of vanilla extract balances out the flavors in the bread.
  • Chocolate Chips – You only need about 3/4 a cup of chocolate chips to make this taste like the best dessert.

Tools needed to make this recipe

To make a loaf of healthy banana bread, you will need a few simple kitchen tools. I recommend grabbing them before you get started for the smoothest cooking process!

  • 9×5 Loaf Pan
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Parchment Paper

For measuring out ingredients, gather the following sized cups and spoons: 1 cup, 3/4 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, 1 teaspoon, and 1/2 teaspoon.

healthy banana bread batter

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.

Start out by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and grease the loaf pan or place parchment paper inside of it.

Then, mash the ripe bananas in one of the bowls.

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.

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!

Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Bake the bread for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Recipe Tips

One of the best tips I have for this recipe and for any banana bread recipe, in general, is to use a potato masher 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.

You also want to make sure that the bananas are extra ripe. To ripen your bananas quicker, place them in a paper bag and close it tightly. They should be ready within a day.

Substitution Tip

Throughout this recipe, there are a few ingredients that can be substituted with other options.

Gluten-Free

To make the bread gluten-free, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Eggs

I haven’t tested this recipe with flax eggs, but if you try it out let me know! I bet it will turn out just fine.

Other Mix-Ins

You can also add in nuts or any other mix-in that you want! Add some walnuts for a richer and earthier flavor.

Storing leftovers

The best way to store leftover banana bread is to wrap it tightly in food storage wrap and keep it at room temperature. If you want the bread to last longer, you can either refrigerate it or freeze it. It will last three days at room temperature or one week in the refrigerator.

When you store it in the refrigerator, keep the air off of it and store it in an airtight container.

To freeze banana bread, let it cool to room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic food storage wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a resealable freezer-safe food storage bag.

The bread will stay fresh in the freezer for up to six months.

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photography by Moriah Sawtelle

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!

healthy banana bread slice

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Bananas can take any baked good up a notch. Here are some more ideas to try!

  • Peanut Butter Banana Bread
  • Tahini Banana Bread
  • Paleo Banana Bread
healthy banana bread slice
★★★★★ 5 from 83 reviews

Healthy Banana Bread

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!

Prep: 10Cook: 50Total: 1 hour
Yield 1 loaf 1x
Print Pin it Rate

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

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and prepare 9×5 loaf pan.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk mashed bananas and eggs until combined.
  4. Mix in oil, maple syrup, and vanilla.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet and stir to combine.
  6. Add in any mix-ins – chocolate chips, nuts, etc.
  7. Pour into greased bread loaf pan.
  8. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Enjoy!
Author: Erin MorrisseyCategory: Snack, Dessert
healthy banana bread slice

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

erinliveswhole

There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

You May Also Like...

  • Perfect Paleo Banana Bread
  • banana bread muffin on a rack
    Paleo Banana Bread Muffins
  • stack of banana bread
    Paleo Tahini Banana Bread (Gluten-free, dairy-free)
  • hand grabbing slice of smores banana bread
    S'mores Banana Bread
chocolate chip cookies
free ebook

get my free top 8 desserts ebook!

A dessert lover’s heaven – six healthier sweet treats all made with six ingredients or less!

download now

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Previous Post
Next Post

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love seeing what you made!

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Alex says

    Posted on 1/2 at 7:46 pm

    Delicious!! This is my go to banana bread recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/5 at 4:31 pm

      Hi Alex, so happy you loved it!

      Reply
  2. Katie says

    Posted on 12/4 at 10:10 pm

    My go to banana bread recipe! Such a good one with great ingredients

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 3:00 pm

      Hi Katie, so glad you love it!!

      Reply
  3. Chelsey says

    Posted on 11/24 at 1:15 pm

    This banana bread was so easy to make (I already had all the ingredients which is always a plus!) and delicious!! My new go-to banana bread recipe.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 11/25 at 11:27 am

      Hi Chelsey, so glad you enjoyed it so much! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Kelsey says

    Posted on 9/19 at 5:44 pm

    I made this today after seeing you talk about it. It was easy to make and a wonderful recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/21 at 4:11 pm

      Hi Kelsey, so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Becca says

    Posted on 9/19 at 1:13 pm

    I’m always on the hunt for a new banana bread recipe. This is wonderful and will definitely be sticking with it!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/19 at 3:36 pm

      Hi Becca, so happy you loved it! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Rebecca says

    Posted on 9/15 at 9:08 pm

    Always my go to banana bread! Simply and delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/16 at 11:04 am

      Hi Rebecca, so happy you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  7. April says

    Posted on 8/16 at 10:56 am

    Hi Erin,

    I subbed the whole wheat flour with 1:1 GF flour as well as chocolate chips with blueberries. Everything turned out AMAZING!! All of my non-GF friends loved every bite. Couldn’t even tell a different. However, it did have to make a little longer than 50 minutes, but that could be my oven too. Thanks for this recipe will definitely be making again.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/16 at 7:35 pm

      Hi April, so happy you loved the bread and made it your own! Thank you for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
  8. April says

    Posted on 8/3 at 12:58 pm

    Hi Erin!

    Could I add blueberries to this recipe and it turn out the same? I was planning on subbing with GF 1:1 flour too.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/3 at 3:08 pm

      Hi April, yes blueberries would be a great addition! Most gf flours work on a totally different absorption rate. You can definitely give it a try but you’d likely have to adjust the amount. Let us know if it works!

      Reply
  9. Karen says

    Posted on 7/21 at 1:07 pm

    so good will make again

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 7/21 at 3:00 pm

      Hi Karen, so happy you loved them!!

      Reply
  10. Kylie says

    Posted on 6/8 at 11:07 am

    This is my new favorite banana bread recipe by FAR! It’s easy & delicious. A new staple for me. Thanks Erin!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/8 at 5:13 pm

      Hi Kylie, so happy you loved it so much!! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Lisa says

    Posted on 6/4 at 10:59 am

    This was great! I also mixed coconut sugar and cinnamon together, sprinkled it over the top and then swirled it in with a knife before popping it into the oven – definitely recommend

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/5 at 9:19 am

      Hi Lisa, so happy you loved the bread so much!! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Maddie says

    Posted on 5/19 at 8:51 am

    So good! Texture is spot on.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/19 at 4:23 pm

      Hi Maddie, so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  13. Paula S.. says

    Posted on 5/1 at 5:17 pm

    Made this healthy banana bread today and love it!…used Avocado Oil instead of Coconut Oil and it turned out great!.super easy and tasty!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/2 at 4:21 pm

      Hi Paula, so glad you loved it and made it your own!!

      Reply
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

erin in front of a building

Hey there!

I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

grocery lists

Shop My Grocery Downloads

Do you head to the grocery store and feel overwhelmed with all of the options? Well, I've created FIVE downloadable and printable grocery lists from five different and popular grocery stores. All of my absolute must haves from Whole Foods, Target, a regular grocer, Trader Joe's, and Costco!

Shop Now

Popular Posts

chickpea brownie on a tray

Chickpea Brownies

bite out of healthy cookie dough ball

Healthy Cookie Dough Balls

cauliflower wings on plate

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

pouring syrup on stack of oatmeal blender pancakes

Oatmeal Blender Pancakes

chocolate chip cookies

get my free top 8 desserts ebook!

A dessert lover’s heaven – six healthier sweet treats all made with six ingredients or less!

Download Now

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Trending Recipes

avocado corn salad

Avocado Corn Salad

cilantro lime shrimp on plate

Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Coconut Cauliflower Rice

paleo cookie skillet with ice cream

Healthy Cookie Skillet

banana bread muffin on a rack

Paleo Banana Bread Muffins

Featured On

good housekeeping logo
parade logo
feed feed logo
business insider logo
everyday health logo
country living logo
bar desserts
truffles
bar desserts
bar desserts
muffins
vanilla birthday cake with chocolate icing

Get latest updates To your inbox!

Back to Top
© 2023 Erin Lives Whole
  • Privacy Policy
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled