Extra Good Healthy Banana Bread

Healthy Banana Bread Recipe with Whole Wheat Flour and Flaxseed

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Banana bread is a classic and beloved baked good that is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. This Extra Good Healthy Banana Bread recipe puts a nutritious twist on the traditional treat, making it even more delicious and guilt-free.

History

Banana bread has been a popular recipe in American households since the early 20th century. It gained popularity during the Great Depression when resourceful home cooks found ways to use overripe bananas that would otherwise go to waste. The addition of bananas adds natural sweetness and moisture to the bread, making it a favorite among families for generations.

Ingredients

1 egg
0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
0.5 cup buttermilk
3 tbsp applesauce
2 tbsp water
0.75 cup flour
0.5 cup whole wheat flour
0.75 cup ground flaxseed
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
0.13 tsp salt
1 cup ripe banana, pureed

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a large bowl, lightly beat 1 egg.
To the beaten egg, add ingredients 2-5, and gently beat until smooth.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture.
Stir only until combined.
Mash a ripe banana (the riper the better) in a bowl with a fork until well pureed.
Add the pureed banana to the mix and stir just until mixed.
Pour the mixture into a greased 8x8 pan.
Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Variations

For a fun twist on this recipe, try adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter before baking. You can also experiment with different spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure a moist and flavorful banana bread, be sure to use ripe bananas with brown spots on the peel. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough and dense loaf. Mix the ingredients until just combined for a tender and fluffy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this banana bread warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a delicious and satisfying breakfast or snack. It also pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.

Cooking Techniques

To ensure a perfectly baked banana bread, be sure to preheat the oven to the correct temperature and use a toothpick or knife to test for doneness. The bread should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. You can also use yogurt or sour cream as a replacement for buttermilk in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

This banana bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months for a quick and convenient snack.

Presentation Ideas

To make this banana bread extra special, try slicing it into thick slices and serving it on a decorative platter with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can also drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the top for a sweet and elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This banana bread pairs well with a variety of beverages such as coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. It also goes well with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

To store leftover banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months and reheat individual slices in the microwave or toaster oven for a quick and easy snack.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Extra Good Healthy Banana Bread contains approximately 180 calories. This makes it a satisfying and nutritious option for a snack or meal.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Extra Good Healthy Banana Bread contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling daily activities and functions.

Fats

This banana bread recipe is low in fat, with each serving containing only 3 grams of fat. The fats in this recipe come from healthy sources such as flaxseed and applesauce, which provide essential fatty acids for overall health.

Proteins

Each serving of this banana bread provides 4 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an essential nutrient for overall health and well-being.

Vitamins and minerals

Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. These nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure, immune function, and brain health. Additionally, flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, which contribute to heart health and digestion.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat flour, which are common allergens. If you have allergies to these ingredients, be sure to use suitable substitutes or omit them from the recipe.

Summary

Overall, this Extra Good Healthy Banana Bread is a nutritious and delicious option for a guilt-free treat. It is low in fat, rich in carbohydrates, and provides essential vitamins and minerals for overall health and well-being.

Summary

This Extra Good Healthy Banana Bread recipe is a nutritious and delicious option for a guilt-free treat. It is low in fat, rich in carbohydrates, and provides essential vitamins and minerals for overall health and well-being. Serve it warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a satisfying breakfast or snack. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that I had collected over the years. As soon as I came across the yellowed and tattered piece of paper with the title "Extra Good Healthy Banana Bread," I knew I had to try it.

I unfolded the delicate paper gently, taking care not to tear it any further. The recipe was handwritten in elegant cursive, and it was clear that the person who had written it had taken great care in detailing each step. I read through the ingredients list - whole wheat flour, ripe bananas, honey, and walnuts - and knew that this was a recipe worth trying.

I had always loved baking, and banana bread was a particular favorite of mine. There was something comforting about the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, and I was always on the lookout for new and interesting recipes to try.

As I gathered the ingredients and preheated the oven, I couldn't help but think back to all the different recipes I had collected over the years. Some had been passed down from my own mother, while others had been shared with me by friends and neighbors. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, and I cherished every opportunity to try something new.

The smell of the banana bread baking in the oven was intoxicating. The sweet aroma of ripe bananas mingled with the earthy scent of whole wheat flour, creating a tantalizing combination that made my mouth water. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the timer finally chimed, I carefully removed the loaf from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool. The bread was a beautiful golden brown, and the walnuts sprinkled on top added a delightful crunch. I sliced a piece and took a bite, savoring the moist, tender texture and the subtle sweetness of the honey.

As I sat down to enjoy my freshly baked banana bread, I couldn't help but marvel at the power of a simple recipe to bring joy and comfort. The time and effort that had gone into creating this bread was evident in every bite, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to experience such a delicious treat.

From that day on, Extra Good Healthy Banana Bread became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. The recipe brought me closer to my loved ones, as we shared stories and laughter over slices of warm, fragrant bread.

Years passed, and the recipe for Extra Good Healthy Banana Bread became a cherished tradition in our family. My grandchildren would beg me to make it for them whenever they came to visit, and I happily obliged, knowing that I was passing down a piece of my culinary heritage to the next generation.

As I look back on that rainy afternoon when I first discovered the recipe, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all the recipes that have shaped my love of cooking. Each one tells a story, a memory, a moment in time that I hold dear in my heart.

And so, I continue to bake, to experiment, to create new memories with each recipe I try. But no matter how many recipes I collect, how many flavors I explore, Extra Good Healthy Banana Bread will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the simple joys that can be found in a slice of homemade goodness.