Fitness / March 9, 2024

Easy Banana Nut Bread Recipe

This simple, wholesome Banana Nut Bread recipe will have your home smelling like nostalgia and your mouthwatering.

Banana bread smells like tradition, like home, like comfort. It reminds me of visiting family and warm hugs. Though this Banana Nut bread will still kick up feelings of nostalgia, it has evolved and is not your grandma’s traditional recipe.

This wholesome recipe for Banana Nut Bread calls for whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, applesauce, and mashed bananas. You will still enjoy every whiff and bite but with fewer calories and additives.

Why You Will Love This Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Anytime I have company coming, especially in the morning, this Banana Nut Bread is my foolproof go-to. Since this recipe calls for a handful of ingredients and two mixing bowls it is easy to whip up in no time.

Banana Nut Bread is delicious on its own as a snack or can be served for breakfast or brunch. Top it with Strawberry Chia Jam for a unique twist or pair it with Eggs Over Easy for a complete meal.

Is Banana Nut Bread Healthy?

Banana Nut Bread is not usually considered a “health food” but this recipe is the closest you will get! By using whole wheat flour instead of AP flour you will be getting more nutrients, fiber, protein, and flavor. Additionally, instead of cane sugar, we will use coconut sugar which is less processed and has a lower glycemic index than cane sugar.

Bananas themselves are packed with potassium and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Also, bananas can support digestive health and are low in calories. Finally, walnuts are rich in omega-3 which promotes a healthy heart.

Applesauce Substitute?

Substituting applesauce for oil, which is usually used in making banana bread, is a much healthier exchange. There is plenty of water in applesauce, so your bread will be moist. Also, it contains fiber and no saturated fat. Applesauce also adds a wholesome sweetness without any artificial flavor.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups whole wheat flour for added fiber
1½ teaspoons baking powder aluminum-free
¼ teaspoon sea salt a natural choice
¾ cup coconut sugar a lower glycemic alternative
½ cup unsweetened applesauce in place of oil, for moisture without the fat
2 large eggs free-range, organic preferred
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 medium ripe bananas mashed (about 1? cups)
1 cup raw walnuts coarsely chopped (rich in omega-3s)

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease or line two 8×4-inch loaf pans.

Mix

In one bowl, combine whole wheat flour, baking powder, and sea salt. In another, beat coconut sugar and applesauce, then add eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas.

Combine & Fold

Mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Fold in walnuts.

Bake

Pour into pans, bake 45-55 minutes until done. Tent with foil if browning too fast.

Cool

Cool in pans 10 minutes, then on a wire rack until completely cooled.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Be sure your bread is fully cooled before storing it. To ensure there is no excess moisture place a paper towel around it before putting it in an airtight container. At room temperature, your bread is good for four to five days, in the refrigerator for one week, and can be frozen for several months.

What can I use instead of nuts?

Feel free to replace the walnuts with pecans, pumpkin seeds, or chocolate chips. You can also leave them out altogether.

Can this be made vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax or chia eggs.

What bananas should I use?

It is best to use ripe or over-ripe bananas. The riper the better, but not rotten ones. If they are black and very mushy, they are likely not good and you will want to pass on those.

What else

Be sure to follow the recipe measurements, baking is a science. Also, do not over-mix your batter. This could result in a very dense banana bread.

Serving Suggestions

Banana bread is so versatile and can be served with a meal or as a snack.

For an amazing brunch spread serve this Banana Nut Bread with a knockout Peanut Butter Board, trendy Twisted Bacon, and this nutrient packed Avocado Egg Bake.

If you want to serve Banana Nut Bread as a snack, top it with this yummy Pecan Butter or Pumpkin Seed Butter to compliment the nuttiness.

Easy Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 55

Resting Time 10

Total Time 1 25

Servings

Calories 259kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour for added fiber
1½ teaspoons baking powder aluminum-free
¼ teaspoon sea salt a natural choice
¾ cup coconut sugar a lower glycemic alternative
½ cup unsweetened applesauce in place of oil, for moisture without the fat
2 large eggs free-range, organic preferred
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 medium ripe bananas mashed (about 1? cups)
1 cup raw walnuts coarsely chopped (rich in omega-3s)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans with a dab of coconut oil or line with parchment paper for an easy release.
In a bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, and sea salt. This blend of dry ingredients will give your loaf a wholesome structure.
In a larger bowl, beat together the coconut sugar and applesauce until well combined. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Blend in the mashed bananas until just mixed, keeping it lumpy for texture.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Stir until just combined to keep the loaf tender. Lovingly fold in the walnuts, distributing them evenly.
Pour the batter into the prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil.
Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This patience ensures a perfect slice.