I love banana bread.. it tastes amazing and makes the perfect healthy snack at any time of day!
In this recipe, I’ve made a ‘traditional banana bread recipe’ (which is usually loaded with butter) healthier by using plain yoghurt; I chose to use Greek style yoghurt today which tastes amazing dolloped onto the bread too! 100g of Greek style yoghurt contains just 56 calories and 9.6g protein, in comparison to butter which is 740 calories per 100g (!). Consequently this banana bread is packed with protein but is low in both calories and fat (you save 220Kcal and 17g of fat per slice in comparison to shop bought banana loaf!).
I’ve included two versions of this recipe – one produces a more ‘bread’ type banana bread and one produced a more ‘malt loaf’ type banana bread i.e. more moist. I love them both equally!
You can adapt this recipe by adding chocolate chips, walnuts or even raisins – the list is really endless!! Let me know what you try 🙂
P.S If you like this recipe and fancy baking with protein then do check out my Banana Protein Bars or if you don’t like bananas my Vanilla Protein Loaf!
Healthy Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups (200g) flour - I used Spelt
- 2 medium-large ripe bananas - mashed
- 180g plain Greek style yoghurt*
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup (125g) Xylitol or sugar alternative**
- 1 tbsp oil - I used coconut oil
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 1/2 tsp bicarbonate soda* (+ 1/2 tsp salt)
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 175 degrees C
- Mix together the dry ingredients in a bowl - flour, xylitol or sugar alternative, cinnamon, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt
- In another bowl mix together the wet ingredients - mashed bananas, Greek yoghurt, eggs, oil and vanilla before adding in the dry ingredients and stirring until combined
- Pour the mixture into a silicone loaf tray* or greased/lined baking tin and bake for 45 minutes
- Allow to cool before slicing into 12 pieces and either serving or wrapping in cling film and storing in the fridge/freezer for when you're peckish!
Notes
*To make a more moist, ‘malt loaf’ type banana bread use 200g yoghurt & skip the baking soda!
**Xylitol is a healthier alternative to sugar and is perfect for baking.
***I got my silicone loaf tray from Amazon!
Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 130 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 3 g | 5% | |
Total Carbohydrates 15 g | 5% | |
Protein 5 g | 10% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
*This blog post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer page for more information.
Love your healthy recipes can’t wait to try the banana bread.
Author
Aw thank you! Do send me a pic 🙂 xx
Looks amazing. I’m gonna make it but I haven’t got any spelt flour so I’m gonna try coconut flour and may add a scoop of my banana bannnoffe pie protein.
Author
Ooh that sounds lovely! Coconut is quite a dry flour so make sure to use extra eggs! You may be better off with my protein loaf though if you want to make a successful protein loaf 🙂 x
Do you have a recommendation for flour to use to make it gluten free? Thanks
Author
Any flour with the gluten removed, i.e. advertised as gluten free should be ok.. or gluten free oat flour may also work! Do let me know if you try it!
I make my own gluten free flour. 2 cups of white rice, 1 cup of oats, 2 cups of cornflour and 1.5 cups of tapioca. Can be used in any recipe in place of plain flour.
Author
Aw wow thank you Sarah!!
Just made this with Wholemeal Flour, and substituted the sweetener and Vanilla for PhDs Diet Whey Vanilla Creme Protein Powder and a tablespoon of honey. Tastes amazing!
Will be trying it out on the (cynical) man later, and the office tomorrow. 🙂
Author
Hurray! Aw so glad you enjoyed it too 🙂 And thanks for the fab pic! Nic x
Man, lover of all things fat & sugar loved it. Obviously I’ve not told him what it’s made with yet.
Author
Hurray! Haha that’s so funny 🙂 thanks for letting me know!! xx
Love this recipe. So easy to make – the hardest part was waiting for it to cool down so I could have a taste! Added a few walnuts to mine and served with some PB2 for a treat
Author
Thank you so much for your lovely pic! I know, it’s gorgeous isn’t it!! Love PB2 so great topping choice 🙂 x
Oh sorry I just tried to rate with 5 forks and not done it correctly! Can you delete that last vote so I can do it again?! Doh
Author
Aw no! Unfortunately not.. but you can vote again on other 3G/wifis!!
Ok, will do. Sorry! x
Author
Aw thank you! xx
Hi, loved the end result, I added ground almonds, a few left over glacé cherries and cacao nibs for a healthy add. Walnuts would be a good addition to and ill try it gluten free next time so my daughter can eat it although she can tolerate Spelt sometimes too xx
Author
Ooh I love your additions! Thank you so much for letting me know how it went. Gluten free flours should work.. I would say follow any additional instructions that come on the packet about making the flour ‘work’! Nic xx
I love banana bread. This recipe seems like a perfect healthy option so I’m going to give it a go. X
Author
Hurray! I cannot believe how many people have made it since I posted it 24 hours ago!! It’s going down well on twitter 🙂 enjoy!
I love baking, but don’t do it too often as I end up eating too much cake! So happy when I saw this recipe. It’s delicious, and my husband loves it too.
Author
That’s great news! Aw thank you so much Emma, so glad it inspired you 🙂 Nic x
My husband made this and it was delicious! No mean feat given in 7 years of knowing him he has never baked a thing!!! It was really light and very tasty. My hubby being a cyclist had 2 pieces it was that good! I think it will be a regular in our house 🙂 Thanks x
Author
Hurray!! Aw I’m so pleased to hear that!! Thank you for your comment Anita 🙂 xx
AMAZING love it love it love it, even my boyfriend absolutely loves it! Next time I’ll try to make it vegan using the powder ‘eggs’ and using half the ingredients do 6 cupcakes/muffins… love love love the recipe, thank you so much :DD
Author
Hurray! Aw thank you so much for your lovely comment 🙂 xxx
also, being a queen of forgetting the ingredients when baking, I forgot to add the oil… well, to be honest it’s still very delicious light and moist so I probably didn’t miss out that much, perhaps just a few of extra calories!
Author
Brilliant to know, thanks!!
Would agave syrup work instead of sweetner? 🙂
Author
Hi Laura! It may be a case of try and see.. you may need more flour if the mixture looks too wet or don’t add as much 🙂 Do let me know! xx
Since Nic had posted this recipe I’ve been desperate to try it! Baked it tonight,but didn’t have any Greek yoghurt so used fat free vanilla natural yoghurt instead. Checked with Nic who thought it would be ok and it was AMAZING! Can’t wait to have some for breakfast! Thanks for such a fantastic recipe and so easy to make too! 🙂
Author
Hurray! Oh I’m SO glad it worked out!! I would love to try this recipe with Banana yoghurt but I think liberte only sell than abroad 🙁 *boo hoo* – thank you for your lovely comment Lindsay! xx
Was going to ask if I could use fat free natural yoghurt instead of Greek, as that’s what I’ve got in my fridge. Will be trying it today 🙂
Author
Sure you can! Enjoy 🙂 x
Made this today after a failed attempt 1st attempt when I forgot the to add the eggs & baking powder!!
Have to say its amazing ….going to try using walnut & raisins next time 🙂
Author
Hehe that sounds like something I would do! Hurray SO glad you liked it, and I love your future plans too 🙂 Thanks Raina!!
Nicest banana bread I’ve ever had, normally a dry mess. Just gobbled up half of it!
Author
Hurray! Aw thank you so much! I love it too much too 😉 x
My toddler and I tried your Healthy Banana Bread recipe and the verdict was “yum”. We used soft brown sugar as we didn’t have any xylitol. We did have spelt flour though and it works really well. Thank you.
Author
Oh that’s so great to hear! So glad you both liked it 🙂 Thank you for your comment Fiona! xx
How long will it last if I was to freeze it? In love with all your recipes. Xx
Author
Hello! I really don’t know – I haven’t tested it! Sorry! xx maybe it says on the side of banana malt loaf?! lol!
Just made your banana bread for the first time and really chuffed with the results! I’ve always been really put off of baking because the ingredients list puts me off, this is the perfect compromise. I’m feeling very inspired to try other recipes of yours now, starting with apple & oat bars tomorrow! Thanks for the helpful tagging of your recipes too, I’m a vegetarian and aspiring part-time vegan so the tags are really helpful. Love your You Tube videos!! Keep ’em coming!
Author
Aw thank you so much!! It’s so nice to read lovely comments like that – it really keeps me going!! I’m planning some more YT videos soon 🙂 xx
Hi, I love the look of this (as well as a lot of other recipes you post 🙂 ) can I ask my daughter has been asked to trial a 6 week wheat free diet by the doctor. I have been doing a lot of research and there seems to be 2 opinions on if spelt is suitable for people avoiding wheat. I would love to make this for her as it combines her favourite things banana and cake!! Do you think it is ok on a wheat free diet?
Author
Hello! Spelt and wheat are two different types of grain. Both contain gluten. Speak to your GP if you’re concerned or just use a flour that says ‘wheat free’ on the side 🙂
I have to say your blog is amazing! I randomly found you on Instigram and then found your website from there, love all the diet and lifestyle tips! Im currently doing a post grad in dietetics and you are very inspiring! 🙂
Author
Aw thank you Lisa 🙂 Good luck with your studies!! xx
Used ingredients that I had in the house. Wholemeal flour, low fat Greek and added some extra raisins 🙂 it’s really easy to make and so delicious. Highly recommend. How do I stop from eating it all too quickly 🙂 ?
Author
Aw that’s great to hear! Haha! My tip is to freeze half of the loaf once cool 🙂 x
Finally got round to making this and it was yum! Used oat flour and was worried it would be too dense but ended up lovely and squidgy. Also only used around 80g xylitol as i run out but am glad as it was sweet enough for me (bananas were very ripe so that is probably why!) Lovely with a smidgen of Nutella on! Mmmmmmm……
Author
Ohhh Lou that sounds gorgeous!! It’s great to hear that you can make it with oat flour too – super healthy!! xx
Hey Nic! I want to make this with a bit of protein powder but the only stuff we have in the house is a big bag James got cheap which tastes a bit rank. Do you think that will totally ruin the flavour? Or will the other flavours mask the nasty protein powder taste? Can you recommend a cheap but nice protein powder? Thanks hun xx
Author
Hello! If you do what the guy above did (see pic with the protein powder) it shouldn’t ruin the taste no.. (as it’s only a relatively small amount).. MyProtein tends to be a cheaper protein brand. You can use the protein in my 3 ingredient protein cookies and protein pancakes/protein flapjack though if you wanted to use it up!! Nic xx
Hi Nic, I really want to bake this but I have no spelt flour. Will oat flour work ok?
Thanks,
Charlotte xx
Author
Hello! Yes I think someone has tried this and it worked – remember to use a silicone muffin tray or baking paper as oat mixtures can stick!! xx
I made the banana bread using Total Greek yogurt and also for
The sugar element I used Tiana coconut sugar . It tastes amazing
Hard to believe its a healthy snack.
Author
Your swaps sound great! Thanks for your comment Annie 🙂 xx
Made the Bannana Bread with ease , simply made fantastic taste .. result. Moving onto the coconut fairy cakes and protein flap-jacks ( next week)
Author
Proof that boys can bake too 😉 Thanks Ewan!!
Hi, do you think if I left out the xylitol /sugar completely it would be ok, and use sun warrior protein powder instead of spelt flour? Blog is great!
Author
Hello! I don’t think the bread’s taste/texture would be right if you did either of that :s sorry! Thank you! x
Hiya, could you let me know what quantity of stevia I should use as an alternative please? I have tried a couple but they are ps sweet they knock my socks off 🙂
Author
Hello! I would start by using half of the volume (so 1/4 cup which is 60ml) and try the dough to see what you think.. add more if needed. I think it’s going to be trial and error to be honest 🙂 xx
I made this scrumptious banana bread last weekend & it was a triumph! I’ve never made banana bread before & always strive to eat as healthy as possible. The recipe was so easy to follow & equally as easy and quick to make. My husband & I loved it so much that I’m making another one this afternoon! Love this website 🙂 thankyou xx
Author
Aw thank you for your lovely comment Sarah!!
Hi I made this today during rice flour (which I’d never baked with before) to see if a gluten free version would be nice- and it worked really well! I used a little less cinnamon and added a bit more banana, and also threw in some chocolate chips and walnut pieces as well- delicious! I don’t think my bananas were ripe enough but will make sure they are next time!
Author
Thanks for your great tips Kiera! xx
Thanks for all the useful tips and comments. I used agave to sweeten mine (2tbsp).
Also used vanilla protein powder 50g instead of 50g of the flour.
It looks and tastes ace. Thanks Nic for your excellent recipes.
Author
Thanks so much for your ‘tip swaps’ Penny! So glad you liked it 🙂 x
Made your banana bread for the 45 residents in the care home where I cook – went down a storm.
Author
That’s so great to hear! Thank you for your lovely picture too 🙂
Hi, I’m just wondering if this would work using soya yogurt as a diary free alternative? Going to try it next weekend! Thanks!
Author
Hi Emma! I don’t see why not! xx
Hi, made this yesterday and it’s delicious!! I used wholemeal flour and added some chocolate protein powder….even had a slice for breakfast this morning!! Next time I think I will add sultanas too. xx
Author
Oooh I love your swaps! Thank you so much for your comment! Nic x
No bananas so tryng it with blueberries and dark choc chips x
Author
Ooh hope it turns out ok!!
I used Buckwheat Flour instead of other flours as I try and avoid wheat flours where possible for obvious reasons. BF offers a much healthier alternative. The Loaf takes on a darker appearance as a result but the flour gives it flavour. Its still as light and moist and you know you are enhancing a healthy recipe. My next batch will have mixed spice and a few sultanas.
Author
Thank you so much for this information Richard! Brilliant 🙂 x
Hi I used oats instead of flour, honey instead of sugar and 1 full egg & 1 egg white
Author
Thank you so much for your comment Lindsay – the bread looked amazing and so glad that your tweaks worked! xx
Just baked this – can’t wait for it to cool down. Had some gluten free flour in the cupboard, so used that, with light brown soft sugar and added a bag of choc chips I also had in the cupboard. Naughty but nice!
How do I send a photo to you (once it’s cool enough to cut up and try)?
Author
Oooh that sounds amazing Kylie thank you!! People mainly send me them on twitter or Facebook but you can email me on nichola@nicsnutrition.com .. thank you! xx
I’ve done this recipe loads now, it’s so delicious. I recently made it with lactose free yoghurt too and walnuts. I used less xylitol because the yoghurt was slightly sweetened already.
Amazing how versatile this recipe is. 🙂
Author
Aw thank you for your comment Latoya! Sounds amazing!! xx
I made this yesterday, with rye flour, no added sweetener and a peanut butter core. It was sooooooo good. Going to try the cheesecake this weekend. Love all these recipes. x
Author
LOVE your version!! And thank you for the amazing pic! Uploading it now 🙂 xx
Is it ok to use Stevia instead of xylitol and if so would i use the same quantity as stated in the recipie?
Author
Use just 1/2 a cup (don’t go by weight as stevia is lighter!) of baking stevia 🙂 x
Just made this amazing banana bread recipe again. I replaced 50grams of the flour for 50grams of chocolate protein and used Miniloaf trays.Mixture filled 10 cases. DELICIOUS.
Author
Love your tweak!! Thanks for the comment 🙂 xx
I seen to be cooking my loaf for a very long time ….. Knife wet after 45 mins HELP?
Author
Is it a fan oven? On high enough?
I had this problem aswell, cooked it for over an hour and it was still goody in the centre, not sure where i went wrong, i just replaced the sweetener with normal sugar. Have a fan oven also which usually bakes things really well :/
Author
Oh no! Maybe use less yoghurt next time?
I love love love this! So yummy and a great snack!
Author
Aw thank you so much Sarah!!
Not fan oven on gas mark 4? Just tried again over hour slightly burned outside wet middle …..
Author
Mine is a fan oven.. sorry it didn’t work in yours! Fingers crossed for next time!
Hello! Where do you purchase your spelt flour from? I am in the UK also! Would you say this is better to use than oat flour? Or do you just prefer it texture wise?
Author
Hello! I think it bakes slightly better.. I got mine from Waitrose 🙂 x
can’t get enough of ur recipes at the mo!leftover over ripened bananas made these tonight…. So healthy to:amended recipe-0flour,replaced 200g flour with 100g whey p.butter protein powder, 50g flaxseed, 50g oats
Then 1 whole egg 2 whites, 0 sugar used 1tbsp Honey instead.. 210g total 0% Greek yoghurt,rest recipe same with baking powder,bakin soda,cinnamon,coconut butter.. Sprinkled with pine nuts- cooked on gas mark 4 to cook slowly and keep moist . result=moist, delicious protein flour,sugar free version definitely making again!
Author
Great tweaks, thank you!!
Thanks for your recipe – was able to use those overripe bananas that I had and felt bad with the prospect of throwing out! I substituted a third of the Spelt with Coconut flour as I had no Coconut oil but Sunflower only. I used soya yoghurt, no sugar and added blueberries. Also no cinnamon as I had none but it was still lovely. Cooking was about 1.25 hours though as I did 10 mins at about 200°C then the rest at 150°C. Cakey bread – great with morning coffee and delish!
Author
Ooooh sounds lovely thank you for the feedback!! You can always peel and freeze the banana slices to use in smoothies too!! xx
Hi Nic, can’t wait to try this, would it work with coconut or oat flour? Thank you 🙂
Author
Hello! I think someone has used oat flour before, it will just be slightly heavier.. and if you use coconut flour you’ll need to use loads more moisture!! Maybe don’t use all coconut flour! xx
mine is just in a convection oven, i used Skyr instead of yogurt, it’s naturally fat and sugar free (well traces), but 10g of proteins in 100g of product, didn’t use sugar but honey I’m not sure if not too much of it, but hey, we will see when its ready, smells and looking good so far :):):)
Author
Ooh hope it tastes good Jo!!
how many servings does this make? Going to use very ripe bananas, dont have the sweetener you have and don’t want to be too sweet. What do you recommend? 1 T maple syrup? or I have sugar/stevia baking mix. Thought maybe 1 T of that? LMK your thoughts.
Author
Hi Sarah, I think it may be trial an error.. 1T may be enough! Regarding the servings.. I’ll leave that up to you to decide 😉 xx
Hi this recipe looks great so I tried to recreate this evening however I feel I have gone wrong somewhere as it’s very wet, it’s been in the oven for ages now I did use honey instead of sugar alternative and wholemeal flour not spelt but other than that I followed instructions any help greatly appreciated thanks
Author
Hello! It will be the honey! You may need more flour.. or use xylitol next time. So sorry your swap didn’t work xx