If you’re anything like me, you love the comforting smell and sweet taste of banana bread—but sometimes you want a treat that won’t weigh you down or take you off track with your goals. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe with you—it’s moist, tender, and just the right amount of sweet without the guilt. Seriously, you’ll find that this healthier spin on a classic quickly becomes your go-to snack or breakfast! Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything so you get perfect results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low in Calories: Perfect for when you want your banana bread fix without overdoing it.
- Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to ripe bananas and a touch of cinnamon, every bite feels indulgent.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have what you need in your pantry—no fuss here.
- Adaptable: Easy to tweak for dietary preferences without losing its charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe plays a special role in keeping it light yet delicious. I love using oat flour—it adds a lovely texture and keeps things wholesome without needing refined flour.
- Egg and Egg White: Provides structure and protein but keeps fat lower than using whole eggs alone.
- Ripe Bananas: Not only sweeten naturally but keep the bread super moist—make sure they’re nice and spotted for the best flavor.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Just a touch of natural sweetness without refined sugars; maple syrup gives a nice depth.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle spice punch that pairs perfectly with bananas.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Oat Flour (or preferred flour): I like oat flour because it’s mild and wholesome, but you can use a gluten-free mix if you prefer.
- Milk of Choice: Just enough to smooth out the batter without making it runny—dairy or non-dairy both work well.
- Baking Powder: Gives the loaf a light, tender crumb without adding heaviness.
Variations
I’ve had a blast experimenting with this Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe over time, and let me tell you, it’s a great base to get creative with. I encourage you to try a few twists to make it your own—this bread welcomes personal touches like a good friend.
- Add Nuts or Seeds: Throw in walnuts or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch; my family goes crazy for that added texture!
- Extra Flavor Boosts: A splash of almond extract or some shredded coconut creates a whole new flavor experience.
- Gluten-Free: Swap oat flour for a certified gluten-free blend if you have dietary restrictions, and it bakes just as well.
- Less Sweet: Reduce the maple syrup to suit your taste or swap with a sugar substitute you prefer; I once dialed it down for my kids who wanted less sweetness.
How to Make Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 180°C (350°F). I like to line my 20 cm (7.9 inches) loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and less mess, but greasing it with a little oil works fine too. Get this ready while you mix your ingredients, so no time is wasted.
Step 2: Mash Those Bananas to Perfection
I usually peel and mash the bananas right in a large bowl using a fork—making sure there are no big lumps unless you like those little pockets of banana. This gives you that natural sweetness and moisture we want to highlight.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Beat in your egg and egg white, then stir in the maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. I find this part crucial—make sure everything is well combined so the flavors meld beautifully in your final bread.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Adjust Batter
Now gently fold in your oat flour and baking powder. The batter will start to thicken here, so slowly pour in your milk—start with just one tablespoon and add up to three tablespoons only if it still feels dry. You want a moist but scoopable batter, not runny.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and pop it into the oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Here’s my trick: after 30 minutes, gently insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a crumb or two, it’s ready! Don’t rush it—underbake and it’ll be gummy, overbake and it dries out.
Step 6: Cool Before Slicing
This is a step many rush through, but I promise it makes all the difference. Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then lift it out and cool completely on a rack before slicing. This helps it set nicely so your slices don’t crumble.
Pro Tips for Making Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: The browner, the better! They bring more sweetness and moisture, so you can cut back on added sweeteners.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined. Overmixing flour can make the bread tough—this is where patience pays off.
- Test with a Toothpick: Always check doneness before removing to avoid dryness or gooey centers.
- Adjust Milk Slowly: Add the milk in small increments to get the batter texture just right without making it too wet.
How to Serve Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a few toasted walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top when serving—it makes it look inviting and adds a little crunch. If I’m feeling a bit indulgent, a thin spread of natural peanut butter or a smear of Greek yogurt on the side is my favorite combo.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a chilled glass of almond milk. For brunch, I sometimes serve it with fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of cottage cheese to balance sweet and savory.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or gatherings, I’ve tried layering banana bread slices with thin layers of Greek yogurt and fresh berries to make a stacked parfait-style dessert—it was a hit! For a cozy winter treat, serve slices warm with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for color and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Low Calorie Banana Bread loaf cools completely, I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container on the counter—it keeps fresh for about 3 days that way. If you plan to eat it over several days, refrigerating it extends freshness up to 5 days without drying it out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen slices wrapped individually in parchment and then sealed in a ziplock bag. This way, you can pull out just what you need for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or gently warm in a toaster oven for that fresh-baked feeling.
Reheating
To reheat, I like to use a toaster oven or regular oven set to 150°C (300°F) for 5–7 minutes—this revives the moist crumb without drying the bread out. Microwaving works in a pinch, but I find it can make the texture a little rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of oat flour in this Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute oat flour with all-purpose flour if you prefer. Just keep in mind all-purpose flour might give a slightly different texture—less dense and more cake-like. Adjust the milk slightly if the batter feels too thick, but the baking powder will still give you a nice rise.
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How can I make this banana bread even lower in calories?
If you want to cut calories further, try using just egg whites instead of whole eggs, or reduce the maple syrup a bit. You can also swap milk for unsweetened almond milk or water if you’re in a pinch. Just note this might slightly affect texture and taste, but it will still be delicious!
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Is this Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! If you use certified gluten-free oat flour or another gluten-free flour blend, this recipe works great for gluten-free needs. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too. It’s a wonderful option for friends and family with dietary restrictions.
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Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding a small handful of dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts can elevate the flavor and texture. I recommend folding them in gently right before pouring the batter into the pan so they’re evenly distributed without weighing down the bread.
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How do I know when my Low Calorie Banana Bread is done baking?
The best test is the toothpick method: insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your banana bread is ready. Also, the top should turn a light golden brown and spring back slightly when pressed.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and healthier eating—it’s genuinely a treat that feels good in the moment and afterward. When I first tried it, I was worried it wouldn’t be as satisfying as the traditional version, but it blew me away with its moist texture and just-right sweetness. I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it’ll become your new favorite quick bread to whip up, share, and enjoy any time you want a cozy, wholesome snack. So go ahead, give it a shot and savor every slice—you deserve it!
Print
Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Low Calorie Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful, and healthier twist on classic banana bread, using ripe bananas, oat flour, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. Perfect for a guilt-free snack or breakfast, it’s simple to make, using common ingredients and baking to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white or one whole egg
- 2 ripe bananas (about 7 oz / 200 g total)
- 45 g (3 tbsp) maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 15 to 45 ml (1 to 3 tbsp) milk of choice (to adjust batter consistency)
Dry Ingredients
- 180 g (1 ¾ cups) oat flour or preferred flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅙ tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 20 cm (7.9 inches) loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Mash the Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until smooth. Stir in the egg, egg white, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until you have a consistent smooth batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the oat flour and baking powder into the banana mixture. Stir them in evenly to combine fully.
- Adjust Batter Consistency: While stirring, slowly pour in the milk, starting with about 1 tablespoon. Add more (up to 3 tablespoons) only if the batter feels too dry to achieve a smooth, slightly thick consistency.
- Bake the Banana Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool Down: Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Storage: Cool completely at room temperature before storing in an airtight container or wrapped in foil. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven briefly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg