Delicious And Low-Calorie Banana Bread: Everything You Need To Know

Banana bread is one of those kinds of foods that offers a comforting vibe no matter where or when you eat it, though it can be considered a guilty pleasure of sorts due to the amount of calories that it tends to have.

These calories come from the heaping of sugar, flour and butter that go into most banana bread recipes.

Delicious and Low-Calorie Banana Bread Everything You Need To Know

There are low calorie takes on the classic recipes available though, and if you are in the market for some low calorie banana bread, then you have come to the right place! 

In this article, we are going to be looking at a low calorie banana bread recipe that is as delicious as it is guilt free.

We are also going to go through some useful recipe tips as well as some variations on the classic banana bread recipe that won’t send the calories of the dish through the roof.

Let’s get started. 

What Is Banana Bread?

Although the name suggests that banana bread is a basically a loaf of bread with a banana flavor, banana bread is actually a kind of cake that is made from mashed bananas.

This is a dish that is known all over the world, with there even being a National Banana Bread Day on February 23rd!

Why You Will Want To Make This Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe

There are a wide range of reasons why you might want to consider making this recipe, so let’s take a look at some key points when it comes to the appeal of low calorie banana bread. 

Budget Friendly

The ingredients included in this recipe are pretty budget friendly, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank if you want to bake this low calorie banana bread. 

As well as that, the ingredients are basic too, so you should be able to find them in most grocery stores. 

Versatile

We will be looking at some variations on this recipe later on, but it is important to note now that this is a recipe that can changed up relatively easily to create different takes on the classic banana bread style.

Not only that, but you can change the recipe in ways that maintain the low calorie nature of the resulting banana bread. 

As well as being versatile, in that there are various ways that you can change up the recipe whilst still keeping it low in calories, this is also a versatile recipe in that it is easily able to be eaten for different meals, such as for dessert, as a snack or even for a hearty breakfast!

Banana bread is generally known as a dish that is well suited for the whole family too, from grandparents to kids, which is another element that makes the recipe so versatile. 

Those Low Calories

The low calories in this recipe are sure to be an appealing aspect of this banana bread, making for a delicious cake that isn’t going to have you feeling guilty with every bite!

Homemade Heaven

There is something to be said for food that is homemade in general, but when it comes to banana bread, you just can’t get that beautiful moistness that you get with homemade banana bread with store-bought banana bread. 

Not only that, but you can be certain that homemade banana bread is free of any processed ingredients or preservatives, which is always an added bonus. 

Other Treats 

You can easily take the batter from your banana bread and turn it into some other sweet treats if you so choose to, such as banana muffins. 

Storage 

Banana bread is a dish that stores well, as it can easily be frozen in order to be eaten later.

No matter what your restrictions are in terms of time, you can make this recipe for yourself and then eat it whenever you so choose simply by freezing it. 

Delicious and Low-Calorie Banana Bread

Low Calorie Banana Bread Ingredients

Let’s now take a look at the ingredients that you will need to have to hand before you get started on this recipe. 

Ripe Bananas

Ripened bananas are needed in order to naturally sweeten the banana bread. Make sure that they are ripe, as unripe ones will not work and will ruin your banana bread! 

When picking out your bananas, make sure that they are dark on the outside and have a soft texture.

Ripe bananas have a particularly sweet smell to them, so give them a sniff if you are unsure as to whether they are ripe enough!

Granulated Sugar

There isn’t as much sugar in this recipe as there is in a standard banana bread recipe (due to that low-calorie nature!), but you need a little bit to sweeten the bread and give it that extra burst of flavor. 

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla is a flavor that works brilliantly with banana, so adding in some light vanilla- such as that found in vanilla extract- is a great way to bring out the best of both tastes. 

Skim Milk

One of the wet ingredients to be found in the batter of the recipe, skimmed milk is a great choice as it reduces the fat content of the bread without sacrificing the creaminess.

Baking Powder 

If you want your banana bread to rise properly and become gorgeously fluffy, then baking powder is a must. 

Unsweetened Applesauce 

This is an ingredient that will help to bind the batter together, but it will also create a tasty and natural sweetness to the bread without too much excess sugar. 

Eggs

Another common and important ingredient in baking in general, eggs will help to bind the ingredients together- much like the applesauce- whilst also aiding with the creation of that delicious, crusty exterior that you get with banana bread. 

Flour

Any baker worth their salt- pun intended- will know that flour is another essential ingredient, (though the type of flour you use isn’t set in stone) basically acting as the catalyst that brings everything together.

Salt

Just a pinch is needed, but it is necessary to bring out those flavors whilst helping keep everything balanced. 

Low Calorie Banana Bread Ingredient Measurements 

Let’s now take a look at the ingredients in more specific terms so that you know exactly how much you will need of everything to get the recipe right. 

  • Two Mashed, Ripe Bananas
  • One-Eighth of a Tablespoon of Salt 
  • One Tablespoon of Unsweetened Applesauce
  • One Large Egg
  • Three Quarters of a Cup of All Purpose Flour
  • One Teaspoon of Baking Powder
  • Half a Cup of Sugar
  • Two Tablespoons of Skimmed Milk
  • One Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

These are just the regular ingredients needed for the base recipe, but there are ways that you can customize your banana bread, which we will take a look at now. 

Delicious and Low-Calorie BananaBread

Variations On The Recipe

Let’s look at some fun additions to the standard recipe that can make for a super delicious, unique version of the sweet treat without too many extra calories. 

  • Cinnamon and Nutmeg: You can stir cinnamon and nutmeg into the batter for a delicious burst of sweetness. 
  • Dried Fruit: Sprinkle some dried fruit in before baking for an extra burst of fruitiness
  • Chocolate Chips: Whether it is white, dark or milk chocolate chips, throwing these in will only increase the calorie count a little bit whilst satisfying the chocoholics in your home (yourself included!). 
  • Cocoa Powder: If you want to go a step further with the chocolatey nature of your banana bread, mix a quarter of a cup of cocoa powder into your batter to create a unique take on chocolate banana bread. 
  • Nuts: Nuts such as walnuts or peanuts are a great way to add an earthy flavor to your banana bread, as well as a pleasant crunch that blends with the moist nature of the cake perfectly. 
  • Orange Zest: Orange zest is a great way to add in a strong citrusy flavor, so if this is a taste that you enjoy, add some into your banana bread batter. 
  • Shredded Coconut: You might prefer the tropical taste of shredded coconut, and if so, you can add some into the batter. Coconut and banana are a match made in heaven flavor wise, so this is the perfect choice for those who prefer a more exotic taste. 

Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe

  • Step One: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Step Two: Grab yourself two mini baking pans and spray them with non-stick cooking spray. Once they have been thoroughly coated with the spray, set them aside for later. 
  • Step Three: Using a mixing bowl that is about medium in size, throw in all of your ingredients other than the flour. Begin to mix everything together- either by hand, a whisk or a mixer- and keep mixing until you get a smooth batter. 
  • Step Four: Once your batter is completely smooth, add in your flour and to continue to stir the mixture until the batter is once again smooth. 
  • Step Five: Split the batter up between your two mini baking pans and put them into the oven to bake until they are golden brown. This should take around twenty minutes or so, but it can take a little longer. 
  • Step Six: Remove the bread from the oven, leave the loaves to cool, and voilà! You have two delicious, low calorie mini banana bread loaves!

Handy Tips And Notes For Your Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe

  • For the best results, use bananas that are ripe- as mentioned above- or a little overripe. If the only bananas that you have to hand are under ripe ones, allow them to sit for two or three days in a paper bag. Place a piece of citrus fruit inside the bag with the bananas, and this should speed up the ripening process. 
  • Don’t forget to let the banana bread cool entirely before you remove it from the pan! Not only will this ensure you don’t get any accidental burns, it will also help to prevent the loaves from crumbling. 
  • It is best to use two mini baking pans and split the batter between them due to the texture of the batter. 

Storing Your Banana Bread

The best way to go about storing your finished banana bread is to wrap it in either aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You can place it in an airtight container too if you would rather. 

In this way, the bread will last for around one or two days when kept at regular room temperature. If you refrigerate it, you can keep it going for around a week. 

Freezing Your Banana Bread

To freeze your banana bread, place it within an airtight container or wrap it up as tightly as you can in plastic wrap. 

Once in the freezer, you will be able to maintain it at its best quality for as long as two or three months!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Calories Are In Banana Bread?

Our recipe is lighter in calories, at around 74 calories per slice thanks to the reduced amount of sugar and flour, lowering both the fat content and the calorie count. 

Regular banana bread tends to be laden with sugar and flour as well as butter, so the calories per slice in most recipes can reach as high as 420 calories per slice. 

How Do You Turn This Recipe Into Banana Muffins?

All you need to do to make yourself some banana muffins with your banana bread batter is fill some cupcake or muffin tins with the batter and bake it!

How Long Should Banana Bread Be Left To Cool?

Give your banana bread around ten minutes to cool completely so that it has time to solidify. This way, you will be able to remove it from the pan more easily. 

Final Thoughts

So there you have everything that you need to know about this low calorie, incredibly delicious banana bread recipe.

There is a lot to enjoy about this recipe, and it is just as tasty as regular banana bread, so what are you waiting for? Go and make yourself some scrumptious banana bread loaves!

Lindsey Morgan
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