Description
Mom’s Best Fluffy “Skinny” Banana Bread is a light, moist, and flavorful loaf made with ripe bananas, a touch of cinnamon, and a mix of brown and white sugar for balanced sweetness. This healthier banana bread recipe uses melted butter and includes optional nuts for added texture, making it perfect for a guilt-free snack or breakfast treat.
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 (optional)
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 to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, brown sugar, white sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a medium bowl, use a fork to mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the beaten eggs, melted butter (slightly cooled), and vanilla extract. Whisk all together until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and whisk gently until the batter is smooth and just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread fluffy.
- Add Nuts (Optional): Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans gently if you choose to add nuts for texture and flavor.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly. Serve warm from the toaster or microwave, or enjoy it at room temperature.
Notes
- The calorie count of 179 calories per slice is based on 1 slice without nuts. Adding the walnuts or pecans increases the calories to approximately 206 per slice.
- Measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling with a knife to avoid overly dense and dry bread.
- Use very ripe, heavily spotted or brown bananas for optimal sweetness and moisture; underripe bananas won’t provide the same flavor or moisture.
- Do not over-mix the batter after adding wet and dry ingredients to keep the texture light and fluffy instead of rubbery.
- Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days; refrigeration is not recommended as it dries out the crumb.
- To freeze, slice the cooled loaf, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 179 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 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: 50 mg
