This easy low calorie banana bread recipe makes a soft, moist, and flavorful homemade loaf with naturally sweet ripe bananas and lighter ingredients.
Traditional banana bread can be high in calories because it often contains large amounts of butter, sugar, and oil. This lighter version uses ingredients such as ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, and a smaller amount of added sugar to create a delicious loaf with a soft texture.
Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a lighter homemade dessert, this healthy banana bread is easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Low Calorie Banana Bread
- Lower in calories than many traditional banana bread recipes
- Soft and moist texture
- Naturally sweet banana flavor
- Easy to make
- Made with simple ingredients
- Perfect for breakfast or snacks
- Family-friendly
- Great for meal prep
- Freezer-friendly
Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional additions:
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
About the Calories
The exact calorie count depends on the ingredients and portion size you use.
For the most accurate nutrition information, calculate the recipe using the specific brands and ingredients used in your kitchen.
Keeping the loaf plain and slicing it into 10 equal servings helps create a lighter portion-controlled snack.
How to Make Low Calorie Banana Bread
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Lightly grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mash the Bananas
Place the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl.
Mash them with a fork until mostly smooth.
A few small banana pieces are completely fine and add texture.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add:
- Greek yogurt
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Maple syrup or honey
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- All-purpose flour
- Whole wheat flour
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Mix until evenly combined.
5. Make the Batter
Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture.
Stir gently until just combined.
Avoid overmixing, which can make the banana bread dense.
6. Add Optional Mix-Ins
If desired, gently fold in:
- Dark chocolate chips
- Chopped walnuts
- Chopped pecans
For the lowest-calorie version, leave out the optional mix-ins.
7. Add the Batter to the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Use a spatula to spread the top evenly.
For a beautiful presentation, you can place thin banana slices on top before baking.
8. Bake
Bake for approximately 45–55 minutes.
The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes.
Transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool before slicing.
10. Serve
Slice the banana bread into even pieces.
Enjoy it:
- Plain
- With Greek yogurt
- With fresh fruit
- With a thin spread of nut butter
- With coffee or tea
Tips for the Best Low Calorie Banana Bread
Use Very Ripe Bananas
The best bananas for banana bread are yellow with plenty of brown spots.
Ripe bananas are naturally sweeter and help reduce the need for extra added sugar.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Stir the ingredients only until combined.
Overmixing can create a dense loaf.
Measure Flour Carefully
Too much flour can make banana bread dry.
Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off.
Use Unsweetened Applesauce
Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture without adding extra butter or oil.
Allow the Bread to Cool
Banana bread continues to set as it cools.
Allowing it to cool makes slicing easier.
Low Calorie Banana Bread Variations
Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Add a small amount of dark chocolate chips.
This adds chocolate flavor while keeping portions moderate.
Banana Walnut Bread
Fold chopped walnuts into the batter.
Walnuts add crunch and healthy fats but will increase the calorie count.
Cinnamon Banana Bread
Add an extra 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for a warmer flavor.
Blueberry Banana Bread
Gently fold fresh blueberries into the batter.
Blueberries add natural sweetness and flavor.
Egg-Free Banana Bread
Replace the egg with a suitable egg substitute according to package directions.
The final texture may vary depending on the substitute used.
Can I Make This Banana Bread Without Sugar?
Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness.
However, the maple syrup or honey helps improve sweetness and moisture.
If you prefer less added sugar, you can reduce the sweetener based on your taste preferences, but the final flavor and texture may change.
How to Store Low Calorie Banana Bread
Allow the bread to cool completely.
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Can You Freeze Banana Bread?
Yes.
Allow the banana bread to cool completely.
You can freeze the entire loaf or individual slices.
Wrap tightly and place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What to Serve with Banana Bread
Low calorie banana bread is delicious with:
- Greek yogurt
- Fresh berries
- Sliced banana
- Coffee
- Tea
- A thin layer of peanut butter
- Almond butter
It makes a simple breakfast or satisfying afternoon snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Banana Bread Healthy?
Banana bread can be part of a balanced diet, depending on the ingredients and portion size.
This lighter recipe uses ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, applesauce, and less added fat than many traditional recipes.
How Do I Make Banana Bread Lower in Calories?
You can reduce calories by using:
- Less added sugar
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Greek yogurt
- Smaller portions
- Fewer high-calorie mix-ins
Can I Use Only Whole Wheat Flour?
Yes, but using only whole wheat flour may create a denser loaf.
A combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour helps maintain a softer texture.
Can I Use Frozen Bananas?
Yes.
Allow frozen bananas to thaw completely before using them.
Mash them and include any liquid released during thawing if needed for moisture.
Why Is My Banana Bread Dry?
Banana bread can become dry if too much flour is used or if it is overbaked.
Measure ingredients carefully and start checking the loaf near the minimum baking time.
Recipe Card
Easy Low Calorie Banana Bread Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 10 slices
Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl.
- Add Greek yogurt, applesauce, maple syrup or honey, egg, and vanilla.
- Whisk until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine both flours, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in optional mix-ins if desired.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes.
- Allow the bread to cool before slicing.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.