Craving a delicious banana bread that won't derail your healthy eating goals? Look no further! This Reduced Fat Banana Bread is about to revolutionize your baking game, proving that healthy can be incredibly delectable. Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, flavorful slice of bread that's packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and made with wholesome ingredients that'll make you feel good inside and out!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas
- Reduced fat butter
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Whole wheat flour
- Baking soda
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or reduced fat butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly using a fork until they become a smooth, creamy consistency. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be.
- Add the softened reduced fat butter to the mashed bananas and mix well until completely incorporated.
- Stir in the brown sugar, mixing until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture becomes slightly fluffy.
- Crack the eggs into the banana mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly to distribute the flavor evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour and baking soda to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough bread.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. Store any remaining bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Banana Selection is Key: Choose overripe bananas with brown spots - they're sweeter and more flavorful, making your bread naturally delicious without extra sugar.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bread instead of a light, tender loaf.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - insert it into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfect!
- Cooling Matters: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and ensures even cooling.
- Storage Hack: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist for up to 3 days. Pro tip: You can also freeze slices for up to a month!
- Customize Your Bread: Feel free to add a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon to make this recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 139kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 36mg
