Looking for a healthy banana bread recipe that satisfies your sweet tooth without any refined sugars? This sugarless banana bread is the perfect answer!
While bananas naturally contain sugar, this recipe skips refined sugars and opts for wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients.
It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a delicious and healthier version of the classic banana bread while still enjoying all the comforting flavors.
What Makes it Sugarless?
By using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup and relying on the inherent sweetness of ripe bananas, you can create a delicious and moist banana bread without any refined sugar.
This recipe is perfect for those looking to reduce their sugar intake or follow a healthier diet. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make a sugarless banana bread that is just as tasty as its traditional counterpart.
Enjoy the rich banana flavor and soft texture, knowing you’re making a healthier choice for you and your loved ones.
Why I love this recipe
What makes this healthy banana bread unique is the use of whole bananas, including their skins (yes you've read this correctly!), which adds extra fiber without compromising the flavor or texture.
Packed with natural sweetness, nutrients, and fiber, this recipe turns a beloved treat into something even better for you. And, by choosing natural sweeteners like honey (optional), we elevate the sweetness to just the right level.
Plus, this banana bread offers:
- A great NATURAL source of fiber and potassium from the bananas (forget about the supplements!).
- Zero refined sugar, allowing you to enjoy a slice guilt-free.
- A lovely melt-in-the-mouth texture and delightful banana flavor that will please any crowd.
Ingredients for Sugarless Banana Bread
- ½ cup (120g) softened butter
- 2 tbsp (30g) honey (optional, adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (140g) self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 ripe bananas (with skins for added fiber)
- 3 tbsp milk of choice (plant-based for vegan options)
Method
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 356°F/320°F Fan assisted (180°C/160°C Fan).
- Prepare the Loaf Tin: Butter a standard-sized loaf tin and line the base and sides with parchment paper.
- Mix the Butter and Honey: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with honey or maple syrup until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated.
- Blend the Bananas: Remove the ends from 2 of your overripe bananas, keeping the peels intact. Place the bananas and their peels into a food processor or blender with the milk, and blitz until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the banana mixture to the butter mixture. Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the bowl, and gently fold everything together until just combined. At this point feel free to add in some chopped walnuts.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Take the third banana, slice it lengthwise, and place it on top of the batter for decoration.
- Bake: Place the loaf tin in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes. Start checking the loaf at 45 minutes by inserting a skewer into the center. The loaf is done when the skewer comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. It’s best enjoyed warm, with a hot drink.
Homemade banana bread is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits and can be stored effectively by freezing for a day when you have a craving for sweet cake or pastry!
Healthy Swaps for Traditional Banana Bread
When making sugarless banana bread, there are several healthy swaps you can make to traditional banana bread recipes. Here are a few options:
- Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content of your banana bread. This swap not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a hearty texture.
- Natural Sweeteners: Replace refined sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. These alternatives provide a gentle sweetness without the negative effects of refined sugar.
- Coconut Oil: You can use coconut oil instead of butter or other oils to add a coconut flavour to your banana bread. Coconut oil can enhance the flavor of your bread but is NOT a healthier alternative to butter despite popular belief!
- Nuts and Seeds: Add in nuts or seeds like walnuts or chia seeds to increase the protein and fiber content of your banana bread. These additions also provide a satisfying crunch and extra nutrients.
- Mashed Bananas: Use mashed bananas instead of sugar to add natural sweetness and moisture to your banana bread. This not only reduces the need for added sweeteners but also enhances the banana flavor.
By making these healthy swaps, you can create a sugarless banana bread that is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Customizing Your Banana Bread Recipe to YOUR Needs
One of the best things about making sugarless banana bread is that you can customize the recipe to your liking. Here are a few ways you can personalize your banana bread recipe:
- Alternative Flours: Use different types of flour, such as almond flour or coconut flour, to change the texture and flavor of your banana bread. These flours can also cater to gluten-free diets.
- Dried Fruit: Add in dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins, to increase the sweetness, texture and flavor of your banana bread. This addition can make your bread even more delightful.
- Sweeteners: Use different types of sweeteners, such as stevia or monk fruit, to reduce the sugar content of your banana bread. These alternatives can help you achieve the desired sweetness without added refined sugar.
- Spices: Add in spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to increase the flavor of your banana bread. Spices can add warmth and depth to the taste, making each bite more enjoyable. This is a good variation for the winter months!
- Chocolate: I often like to add in a few cubes of dark chocolate for an added flavour and texture!
By customizing your banana bread recipe, you can create a unique and delicious flavor that suits your tastes.
Baking & Cooling Your Banana Bread
Baking and cooling your sugarless banana bread is an important step in ensuring that it turns out moist and delicious. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures even baking.
- Pour and Smooth: Pour the banana bread batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This helps the bread bake evenly and look appealing.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the banana bread for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that the bread is fully cooked.
- Cooling: Transfer the banana bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Proper cooling ensures the bread maintains its texture and flavor.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your sugarless banana bread turns out moist and delicious.
Top Tips
- Maximize banana flavor: Use overripe bananas with dark spots for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Skin benefits: Incorporating banana skins adds extra fiber and nutrients. Just make sure to blend them well to maintain the bread’s texture.
- Storage: Keep the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Storing and Freezing Your Banana Bread
Storing and freezing your sugarless banana bread is an important step in keeping it fresh and delicious. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Room Temperature Storage: Store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread fresh and ready to enjoy.
- Freezing for Longevity: Freeze your banana bread for up to 2 months. Simply wrap the banana bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. This method preserves the bread’s quality.
- Thawing: Thaw frozen banana bread at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This gradual thawing helps maintain the bread’s texture.
- Reheating: Reheat frozen banana bread in the oven or microwave to restore its freshness and flavor. A quick warm-up can make the bread taste like it was just baked.
By following these tips, you can keep your sugarless banana bread fresh and delicious for a longer period of time.
Health Benefits of Sugarless Banana Bread
- High in Fiber: Bananas, especially with the skins, provide ample fiber, supporting digestion and promoting gut health.
- Natural Sweeteners: Using honey or omitting extra sweeteners keeps this bread free from refined sugar, making it a healthier indulgence.
- Nutrient-Rich: Bananas provide potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C—key nutrients that not only support cardiovascular health but also benefit the skin.
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen production and protection against oxidative stress, while vitamin B6 helps maintain healthy skin function. Together, these nutrients help maintain skin resilience, overall wellbeing, and immune function.
Nutrition (Per Slice, Serves 10 Slices)
- Calories: 175 kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugars: 9g (from bananas + extra if optional honey)
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 100mg
Frequently Asked Questions - Delicious & Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
Can I omit the honey?
Yes, if your bananas are very ripe, you may find the bread sweet enough without the honey. It’s entirely up to your preference!
What type of milk should I use?
You can use any milk you prefer, whether it’s dairy or a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk.
Why use banana skins in this recipe?
Banana skins are a great source of dietary fiber and add more nutrients without affecting the taste or texture. Just make sure they are thoroughly blended into the batter.
Can I freeze banana bread?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or heat it up in the oven.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the butter with a plant-based spread and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water for each egg). Also, opt for plant-based milk.
What is sugar free banana bread and how can I make it?
Sugar free banana bread is a healthy baking alternative that uses natural sweeteners like ripe bananas instead of added sugars. This variation not only simplifies the recipe but also enhances the bread's health benefits without sacrificing flavor. To make it, simply replace any added sugars with mashed ripe bananas - the riper the sweeter!
Enjoy a slice of this guilt-free banana bread, and let me know how it turns out!
