Our Healthy Banana Bread Recipe: A Weight Loss-Friendly Treat

There’s nothing quite as comforting and delicious as a warm slice of banana bread. But if you’re working on weight loss, you may be wondering if you can have your banana bread and eat it, too.

And we have great news: The answer is yes. At least, if you follow a healthy recipe like ours — which doesn’t call for brown or white sugar, all-purpose flour, sour cream, or melted butter. It's also dairy-free and gluten-free and happens to be packed with protein, making it more nutrient-dense and filling than the average banana bread recipe.

So whether you enjoy it as a snack or for breakfast, our simple banana bread recipe gives the classic family favorite a healthier twist. And, best yet, it’s an easy banana bread recipe to boot.

Keep reading for more details on how to make it.

The key ingredients in our healthy banana bread recipe provide flavor, texture, and extra nutrients. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need and how each ingredient shines:

• Bananas. Let’s start with the obvious show-stealer: Bananas. We like to use super ripe bananas, as their natural sweetness and moisture make for a tastier and fluffier bread. Overripe bananas are even sweeter and will give you a very moist banana bread. This is because the nutrient profile of a banana changes over the course of its maturation as the starches convert into simpler sugars. So, the browner/spottier a banana, the more sugar it has and the sweeter it is.

• Eggs. Eggs bind all the ingredients together and give the bread its light, fluffy crumb. They also add a dose of protein, vitamin D, and calcium. Our recipe calls for two large eggs, but for a vegan version, mix two tablespoons of ground flaxseed with six tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 15 minutes so the mixture gels up to reach a consistency similar to that of eggs. And voila!

• Protein powder. Speaking of protein... This component is what sets our recipe apart, as it delivers even more protein. Some protein powder contains fiber (such as pea and hemp protein powder) and other vitamins and minerals to nourish you and support appetite regulation. For a vegan version, choose a plant-based protein powder.

• Cinnamon and sea salt. These ingredients balance out the sweetness of the bananas and add a hint of flavor complexity.

• Vanilla extract. A little bit of vanilla brings sweetness and warmth to the bread. Use a pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.

• Chia seeds. These tiny seeds are packed with fiber, protein, and heart-healthy nutrients, contributing to a wholesome and satisfying banana bread.

• Baking soda. This helps the bread rise and gives it that perfect fluffy texture. No need for baking powder in this recipe, as the balance of ingredients is just right.

• Almond flour and coconut flour. Instead of traditional all-purpose flour, we use almond flour for added nutrients, like protein, and fewer carbs. It brings a slight nutty flavor and a dose of healthy fats, too. We also mix in a touch of coconut flour for a hint of natural sweetness.

• Coconut cooking spray. To prevent sticking, use coconut oil spray. If you don't have any, standard cooking spray, coconut oil (or any oil or butter spread, really) will do the trick.

Once you get our base recipe down — or if you just want to kick things up a notch — consider these optional add-ons and mix-ins:

• Chocolate chips. Opt for dark chocolate semi-sweet if you want to make chocolate chip banana bread while keeping the recipe as light as possible.

• Cacao nibs. These offer a less-sweet, antioxidant-rich alternative to chocolate chips if you’re craving chocolate but want something with more nutritional value.

• Chopped nuts. If you love banana nut bread, sprinkle some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into your batter. They’ll give every bite a nice crunch.

• Almond or peanut butter. Drizzle some almond butter or peanut butter on top for extra richness, protein, and fiber.

It's Packed With Protein

Have we mentioned that banana bread isn’t just a sweet treat?

With protein powder, eggs, and almond flour, it packs a solid protein punch to help maintain muscle while working on weight loss and keep you feeling satisfied longer. Whether you have it as a snack or a post-strength training bite, it’s an easy way to sneak in more protein without feeling like you’re eating, well … spoonfuls of protein powder.

An added bonus: Bananas are a great source of potassium, a heart-healthy mineral.

It's Surprisingly Versatile

No gluten? No dairy? No problem. This recipe skips both, making it a great option if you or your friends have dietary restrictions — or if you just like a banana bread that won’t leave you feeling weighed down. You can even make it vegan with the simple egg alternative we outlined above, too.

Basically, it’s here for you, no matter what your food preferences or health goals look like.

It's Easy and Delicious

There's minimal prep, it only needs 30 to 40 minutes in the oven, and it'll make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing — need we say more?

Well, we will anyway: It’s a smarter way to satisfy a sweet craving without loading up on excess sugar if you eat it in moderation. And feel free to enjoy it for breakfast, as a midmorning or post-workout snack, or even for dessert.

Long story short, it's pretty much the perfect way to use bananas on the brink of spoilage while supporting a healthy diet.

Gather the Ingredients

• 2 very ripe small-to-medium bananas

• 2 eggs

• 3 scoops protein powder

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• 2 tbsp coconut flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 cup almond flour

• Coconut cooking spray

Follow the Directions

1. Get your supplies together. You’ll need a large bowl to mix everything in, a 9 by 5-inch glass baking dish, and a whisk or spatula. Once you’ve got everything together,

2. Prep everything. First, preheat your oven to 350°F and then coat your 9 by 5-inch loaf pan with coconut oil cooking spray.

3. Mix all your ingredients. Mash your bananas in a large mixing bowl. Then, add the eggs, protein powder, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, chia seeds, coconut flour, and baking soda to the bowl of mashed bananas. Whisk the banana mixture until smooth. Next, you’ll add the almond flour, folding all the dry ingredients and wet ingredients together with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until smooth.

4. Pour and bake the bread. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown on the top. While that’s the average cook time, it can vary based on your oven. So, if you’re not sure if it’s finished yet, prick it with a toothpick. If it’s clean when you remove it, then your bread is probably ready.

5. Let it cool. Let it sit out for about 10 minutes on a wire rack until it’s reached room temperature.

6. Enjoy! You can also store it in an airtight container for up to a week.

Looking for more healthy recipes that satisfy your sweet tooth while also supporting weight loss efforts? Check out our Greek yogurt bark recipe and protein mug cake recipe.