Description
Mom’s Best Fluffy “Skinny” Banana Bread is a moist, sweet, and light loaf made with ripe bananas, brown and white sugars, and a touch of cinnamon. This recipe delivers a healthier version of classic banana bread with only 179 calories per slice, perfect for a guilt-free snack or breakfast treat. Optional walnuts add a pleasant crunch and richer flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas mashed (about 1 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup melted butter slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. Set it aside while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, brown sugar, white granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir these ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the beaten eggs, melted butter (slightly cooled), and pure vanilla extract, then whisk until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Use a whisk to mix until the flour just disappears and the batter is smooth. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread fluffy.
- Fold in Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread to cool slightly before removing from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature. Warm slices can be reheated in a toaster or microwave for optimal taste.
Notes
- Calorie Disclaimer: Nutritional info is based on 1 slice without nuts. Adding 1/2 cup of walnuts or pecans increases calories to about 206 per slice.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cup and level with knife for lightest texture; avoid scooping directly from the bag to prevent dry bread.
- The Bananas: Use heavily spotted or brown bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture. Yellow or green bananas will produce less sweet bread.
- Don’t Over-Mix: Mix until flour disappears to avoid a rubbery, dense loaf.
- Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Refrigeration dries out the bread.
- Freezing: Slice cooled loaf, wrap slices in plastic wrap, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in microwave for 20 seconds before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 179 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
