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    Make It Skinny Please » Recipes » Breakfast » Skinny Banana Bread recipe - low calorie Banana Bread

    Published: Aug 21, 2021 · Modified: Jan 21, 2022 by Toni Dash · 21 Comments

    Skinny Banana Bread recipe - low calorie Banana Bread

    Weight Watchers Points4
    Calories: 125kcal
    Carbs: 23.3g
    Protein: 3g
    Fats: 2.5g
    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    skinny banana bread title

    This slimmed down version of classic Banana Bread has about 125 calories a slice and just as much moist, delicious banana flavor!

    skinny banana bread title

    There's no reason to feel shortchanged when making this easy banana bread recipe.

    We've artfully swapped in some favorite ingredients to keep the flavor you'll find in traditional banana bread just without the same amount of calories.

    This quick bread uses simple ingredients, nothing artificial, for the best banana bread recipe slimmed down!

    This is a great recipe and got enthusiastic results from our calorie watchers and those who love the full fat classic recipe as well.

    Save any extra ripe bananas for a batch of our 1-ingredient Nice Cream recipe too!

    ---

    Jump to:
    • Skinny Banana Bread
    • What makes this skinny?
    • Recipe Ingredients + Notes
    • Tips on Bananas to Use
    • How to Roast Bananas
    • Variations
    • How to make it - Step-by-Step
    • Note about loaf pans
    • How to Store
    • How to freeze it
    • Pro Tip
    • More recipes you'll love!
    • Recipe

    Skinny Banana Bread

    Quick bread is the easiest bread to make. Everything gets mixed together and baked with no yeast or fussy steps.

    And banana bread is certainly a favorite along with zucchini bread.

    It's dense, moist, sweet and a great way to use up overripe bananas.

    Our goal was to ensure this healthy recipe kept the best parts of traditional banana bread and shed some of the extras in homemade banana bread. Using healthier ingredients it still delivers a satisfying slice to enjoy with a cup of coffee!

    The portions are 'normal' too. Twelve slices in a loaf. No skinny tricks making the slices lighter because they are smaller.

    As comparison regular banana bread can range up to 250 calories for a slice the same size.

    slices of skinny banana bread

    What makes this skinny?

    • Reduced sugar
    • No oil or sour cream (applesauce is used instead)
    • Only 2 tablespoons of butter

    Regular banana bread can range from 250 calories upwards depending on the size of the serving and what ingredients are included. A serving of Starbuck's banana nut bread is listed to have 420 calories!

    This version has 125 calories per slice and 4 Green, 3 Purple and Blue WW SmartPoints.

    slices of skinny banana bread on side

    Recipe Ingredients + Notes

    All Purpose Flour. Regular or gluten-free measure-for-measure flour can be used. We've tested it with both!

    Baking soda and baking powder. A little of each gives this loaf nice structure and rising.

    Salt. We use kosher salt which is a less salty tasting salt.

    Ground Cinnamon and nutmeg. These warming spices give the low fat banana bread homey flavors.

    Bananas. You'll need three medium size bananas. More notes on options below.

    Unsalted Butter. Two tablespoons melted will be used. Let the butter cool to room temperature before adding to the recipe.

    Eggs. One full egg and one egg white build the structure of the baked bread. Egg whites stretch the effects of eggs in baking without adding more calories from another rich yolk.

    Unsweetened applesauce. This is the magic ingredient. Applesauce can be swapped into recipe to replace eggs, oil or water, reducing the calories and fat but producing the same effect as what it's replacing. We used just a ¼ cup and it keeps the bread moist and delicious.

    Light brown sugar. Only a third cup is used. With the sweetness of the bananas and the applesauce this is amount offers the right amount of sweetness.

    Vanilla extract. Adds some vanilla flavor to the bread.

    skinny banana bread ingredients

    Tips on Bananas to Use

    Typically delicious banana bread uses overripe bananas. They become sweeter as they ripen although the flavor begins to change when they get too ripened (e.g. black).

    Use lightly spotted bananas. Don't wait until the bananas are black and shriveled. They won't have the same structure or peak flavor. They should have some spots (refer to the ingredient image), be softer but still have some structure.

    Roasted bananas. I learned this trick years ago from a Chef when making his (very NOT skinny) banana pudding recipe. Don't wait for bananas to ripen, roast them instead. Roasting quickly softens the bananas and caramelizes the sugars so they have a wonderful flavor.

    How to Roast Bananas

    1. Place bananas in the peel on a rimmed baking sheet.
    2. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12 minutes. They will be black when done.
    3. Allow to cool enough to be handled.
    4. Peel and mash the fruit as with regular ripened bananas.

    If using roasted bananas, be sure to let them cool before adding to the recipe.

    roasted bananas before and after

    Variations

    Want it sweeter? Changing around the sugar will change the flavor of the sweetness and the intensity. If you'd like the bread sweeter without adding more sugar, divide and use half light brown sugar and half granulated sugar. Or try dark brown sugar.

    Add nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans adds some extra flavor, crunch and healthy fats. Adjust recipe calories accordingly.

    Mini chocolate chips. If you want a splurge mini chocolate chips are a great way to do it. They spread farther in the bread versus their regular size counterparts for a bit of chocolate in every bite. Again, adjust recipe calories accordingly.

    slices of skinny banana bread overhead

    How to make it - Step-by-Step

    STEP 1. Preparation

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

    Spray a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray (photo 1).

    Optional: line the pan with some parchment paper overhanging the sides. This helps easily remove the baked bread (photo 2).

    STEP 2. Mix dry ingredients

    In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Whisk together (photo 3).

    skinny banana bread recipe steps 1-4

    STEP 3. Mash bananas + combine wet ingredients

    In a large bowl mash the bananas using a potato masher or fork (photos 4-5). There should be about 1 ¼ cups total.

    Next add the egg, egg white, applesauce, melted butter, brown sugar and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir to fully combine (photo 6).

    skinny banana bread recipe steps 5-8

    STEP 4. Make the banana bread batter

    Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir together to fully combine but do not over mix (photo 7). This can cause quick bread to become gummy or overly chewy.

    Pour batter into the greased loaf pan (photo 8).

    STEP 5. Bake and cool

    Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of the loaf (photo 9). If it comes out clean, remove the bread from the oven. If it does not return to the oven until done.

    For best results allow the bread to sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Then turn out onto a wire rack to cool fully before slicing (photo 10).

    skinny banana bread recipe steps 9-10

    Note about loaf pans

    Loaf pans come in three main sizes: 8.5-inch, 9-inch and 10-inch. They also are available in glass, ceramic, metal and silicon material.

    Each different size and pan material causes small impacts to the baking time and texture of the bread. Be sure to monitor the bread and check for doneness rather than just rely on baking time.

    slices of skinny banana bread_

    How to Store

    Banana bread can easily dry out so it's important to wrap it well with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    How to freeze it

    A whole loaf or individual slices can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the loaf or slices well with plastic wrap then place them in a larger plastic freezer bag. Remove as much excess air as possible and seal.

    Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator. Individual slices can be removed at any time and toasted too.

    Pro Tip

    The banana bread slices more cleanly after it has chilled. Wrap it tightly, place in the refrigerator until chilled, then slice.

    slices of skinny banana bread

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    Recipe

    banana bread slice square

    Skinny Banana Bread

    Weight Watchers Points4
    Click to track Weight Watchers Points
    Favorite homey banana bread is slimmed down in calories but not in flavor! This easy quick bread is a cinch to make and no one will believe it's calorie reduced!
    4.94 from 31 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast, Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Cooling Time (estimate): 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
    Servings: 12 slices
    Calories: 125kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1.5 cups all purpose flour regular or gluten-free measure-for-measure flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
    • 3 medium bananas ripe (spotted not black) or roasted (see notes)
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
    • 1 egg
    • 1 egg white
    • ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ⅓ light brown sugar

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch loaf pan with non-stick food spray.
      OPTION: add a piece of parchment paper to the prepared pan overhanging the sides for easier removal after baking.
    • Mix the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk or stir to fully combine.
    • In a separate bowl mash the bananas with a potato masher or fork.
    • Add the egg, egg white, applesauce, vanilla, brown sugar and melted butter to the mashed bananas. Whisk to fully combine.
    • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix fully but do not overmix.
      Spoon into the prepared loaf pan.
    • Bake for 40-50 minutes (check at 35 minutes) until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.
    • After baking allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

    Notes

    Ingredients
    For gluten-free banana bread we use Bob's Red Mill gluten-free 1-t01 baking flour.
    Baking time
    Baking time can vary slightly depending on loaf pan material and size. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf.
    How to roast bananas
    As an alternative to ripe bananas roast them.
    1. Place bananas in the peel on a rimmed baking sheet.
    2. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12 minutes. They will be black when done.
    3. Allow to cool enough to be handled.
    4. Peel and mash the fruit as with regular ripened bananas.
    5. Allow the bananas to cool before adding to the recipe.
    Variations
    Make it sweeter. If you'd like the bread sweeter without adding more sugar, divide and use half light brown sugar and half granulated sugar. Or try dark brown sugar.
    Add nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans adds some extra flavor, crunch and healthy fats. Adjust recipe calories accordingly.
    Mini chocolate chips. If you want a splurge mini chocolate chips are a great way to do it. They spread farther in the bread versus their regular size counterparts for a bit of chocolate in every bite. Again, adjust recipe calories accordingly.
    How to store
    After cooling wrap the bread well in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The bread also slices more cleanly when chilled.
    Weight Watchers points on previous program (WW SmartPoints):
    • Green: 4
    • Blue: 3
    • Purple: 3

    Nutrition

    Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 23.3g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2.5g | Saturated Fat: 1.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 178mg | Potassium: 181mg | Fiber: 1.3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 99IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Please share it!Mention @MakeItSkinnyPlease or tag #MakeItSkinnyPlease!
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutritional Coach and certified Weight Loss Specialist, writer/blogger, photographer, chief recipe developer and creator of Make It Skinny Please. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her slimmed down recipes using real food ingredients bring excitement to the dining table and never taste like 'diet food'. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    1. Taylor says

      January 21, 2022 at 8:02 am

      5 stars
      This banana bread was SO moist with amazing banana flavor. You would never know it's a lightened up version. Will be my go-to banana bread recipe from now on!

      Reply
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