low calorie banana bread

Low calorie banana bread is a lighter twist on the classic loaf, delivering the same moist, sweet flavor with fewer calories. It’s perfect for those who want a healthier treat without sacrificing taste or texture.

With wholesome ingredients and smart substitutions, this banana bread is guilt-free yet satisfying, making it an ideal breakfast or snack.

Whether you’re cutting calories for health goals or just want a lighter option, this recipe keeps the comfort of banana bread alive while being waistline-friendly.

Ingredients List

– 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
– 2 large eggs
– ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
– ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free option)
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips (may slightly increase calories)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan lightly with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add eggs, applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until well combined.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 4: Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as it can make the bread dense.

Step 5: If using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter. Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan.

Step 6: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy plain or with a light spread of nut butter.

Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Servings

Makes 10 slices

Nutritional Information (approx. per slice)

Calories: 145
Carbs: 27g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 3g

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Pairings/Suggestions

Pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea in the morning.
Top with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
For a light dessert, drizzle with a touch of dark chocolate or a spoon of low-fat whipped cream.

Seasonal Relevance

This recipe shines in fall and winter when cozy, warm flavors are most appreciated. It’s also a great way to use up ripe bananas in summer.
Perfect for meal prep, holiday brunch tables, or as a healthy treat during New Year’s resolutions season.

Health Benefits

This low calorie banana bread is packed with fiber from whole wheat flour, keeping you fuller longer and supporting digestion.
Bananas add natural sweetness and potassium, helping with muscle function and heart health.
Using applesauce and honey reduces the need for butter and refined sugar, cutting calories while still keeping the loaf moist.
Walnuts add omega-3 fatty acids and protein, though they are optional if you want to keep the calorie count lower.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Lower in calories than traditional banana bread	May not be as rich as full-fat versions
Naturally sweetened with bananas and honey	Slightly denser texture with whole wheat flour
Moist, flavorful, and filling	Requires ripe bananas for best results
Freezes well for meal prep	Nuts or add-ins increase calorie count

Conclusion

This low calorie banana bread is a lighter, healthier version of a classic favorite. Moist, subtly sweet, and packed with banana flavor, it’s the perfect option for those wanting to indulge without the guilt. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a wholesome loaf ready in no time.

Whether enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or even for dessert, this bread strikes the balance between delicious and nutritious. Bake a loaf today, and you may find it becoming a weekly staple in your kitchen.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Q2: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute the whole wheat flour with oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Q3: How do I keep banana bread moist without adding fat?
Applesauce and ripe bananas naturally keep the bread moist while reducing the need for butter or oil.