Health Banana Bread Recipe

This standout banana bread might not taste exactly like the classic, but its nutritional extras still come with plenty of flavor and texture. Naturally sweetened, this bread—which can easily be modified to be gluten-free—makes for a filling breakfast, afterschool snack or healthy dessert.

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Serves: 8 to 12 (makes 1 loaf)

Ingredients:

• 3 medium overripe bananas 
  
• 2 large eggs
  
• 1/3 cup honey
  
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
  
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 350F. Prepare a standard 9-by-5-inch loaf pan by coating it with cooking spray or greasing it with coconut oil.
   
2. In a large bowl, use a fork or whisk to mash the bananas. Whisk in the eggs, honey, coconut oil and vanilla extract.
   
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
   
4. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until the mixture is combined and no dry streaks remain in the batter. Fold in the walnuts, if using.
   
5. Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake the bread at 350F for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean, with no raw batter attached.
   
6. Cool the bread completely before slicing or storing wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.