Description
This Mom’s Best Fluffy “Skinny” Banana Bread recipe offers a moist, tender loaf with a lower calorie count of only 179 calories per slice. Made with ripe bananas, a blend of brown and white sugars, and a hint of cinnamon, this banana bread is perfect for a guilt-free snack or breakfast. Optional chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor. The bread is easy to make with simple ingredients and baked to perfection in about an hour.
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 Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, brown sugar, white granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well mixed.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the beaten eggs, melted butter (slightly cooled), and pure vanilla extract, then whisk until fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until just combined and smooth. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread fluffy.
- Fold in nuts (optional): If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans with a spatula.
- Pour batter and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven 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 before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature. Reheat slices in a toaster or microwave if desired.
Notes
- The nutritional info is based on 1 slice without nuts; adding 1/2 cup nuts will increase calories to approximately 206 per slice.
- For best texture, spoon flour into measuring cups and level with a knife rather than scooping directly.
- Use very ripe bananas with heavy spots or brown color for optimum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not over-mix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Store banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days; avoid refrigeration to prevent dryness.
- You can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months; thaw in the microwave for 20 seconds before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 179 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
