I love to make banana bread, but sometimes I want a recipe without refined sugar and without tons of additives. I have made many similar loaves of bread, like my No Sugar Banana Bread, 5-Ingredient Banana Bread, or Chickpea Flour Banana Bread, but today I wanted a simple and healthy version that can easily be made gluten-free or oil-free. Whether you like your banana bread with or without oil, with or without gluten, this simple recipe works either way! It’s super quick to make and tastes delicious!
Ingredients and Substitutions
You only need 6 base ingredients for this recipe.
Bananas – Use ripe bananas and measure them mashed. The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bread since I don’t add sugar to the batter. Flour – I’ve made this recipe both with regular all-purpose flour and Bob’s Red Mill’s gluten-free mix and both give the same great result. It also works with whole wheat flour and spelt flour. I haven’t tried any other blend, so can’t guarantee they would work. You can’t swap it for more moisture-absorbent flours, like almond flour or coconut flour. Oat Flour – Oat flour or almond flour makes the bread healthier by using a nutrient rich alternative. Oil – You can use a light-flavor olive oil, any other light oil, or even peanut butter or almond butter! The goal of this ingredient is to bring some fat to the batter which makes the bread moist and soft. Baking Powder and Baking Soda – These make the bread light, soft, and airy.
You can then incorporate many add-ins to change the flavor and taste of the bread:
Cinnamon – It enhances the flavor with warmth and depth. You can also use nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice for a twist. Vanilla Extract – Vanilla adds sweetness and depth to the flavor profile. It can be replaced with almond or maple extract. Salt – Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavors. Coconut Sugar – This adds additional sweetness if your bananas are not ripe enough. You can also use Demerara sugar, muscovado sugar, or any other crystal sweetener. Chopped Walnuts or Pecans – These add crunch and a nutty flavor. Replace them with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or dried fruit for nut-free options. Chocolate Chips – For a more chocolatey banana bread, add dairy-free chocolate chips to the batter.
How to Make Healthy Banana Bread
This recipe is super easy to whip up.
Expert Tips
I’ve got a few more tips for you to make this bread perfect every single time.
Use Overripe Bananas – Bananas with dark spots provide the most natural sweetness and moisture, making the bread soft and flavorful. Measure Accurately – Use a kitchen scale or very accurate cups for precise measurements, especially with mashed bananas and flours. Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix just until combined to avoid dense or gummy bread. Overmixing develops gluten, which can ruin the texture. Check the Bread Midway – If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent overbaking. Cool Completely – Let the bread cool fully on a wire rack before slicing to avoid crumbling. Enhance Moisture for Gluten-Free Variants – Gluten-free blends may turn out drier; adding a tablespoon of plant-based yogurt can help. Slice with a Serrated Knife – For clean slices, especially if nuts are included.
Serving Ideas
Spread with vegan butter, almond butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence. Pair with a plant-based yogurt or a smoothie for a wholesome breakfast.
Storage and Freezing Tips
For freezing, slice the bread and place parchment paper between slices to make it easy to defrost single servings. Reheat slices in a toaster or microwave for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
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