Whole Wheat Banana Bread: Moist, Nutritious, and Full of Flavor
Golden brown, naturally sweet, and full of comforting aromas, whole wheat banana bread is a timeless favorite that elevates classic banana bread with added nutrition and hearty texture. Combining the rich sweetness of ripe bananas with the wholesome goodness of whole wheat flour, this bread is moist, tender, and slightly nutty—a perfect treat for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
Baking with whole wheat flour adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals, giving the bread a more robust flavor while still keeping it soft and delicious. The beauty of whole wheat banana bread is that it balances indulgence with health-conscious ingredients, proving that nutritious baking doesn’t mean compromising on taste. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted with a smear of butter, every slice delivers a comforting, homemade experience.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe Bananas (mashed) | 3 medium | 315 kcal |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 2 cups | 880 kcal |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 kcal |
| Unsalted Butter (melted) | ½ cup | 800 kcal |
| Brown Sugar | ½ cup | 415 kcal |
| Baking Soda | 1 tsp | 0 kcal |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp | 2 kcal |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 kcal |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | 12 kcal |
| Milk (or dairy-free alternative) | 2 tbsp | 20 kcal |
| Optional: Chopped Walnuts | ½ cup | 400 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2: Mash Bananas
In a large bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth. Small lumps are fine for added texture.
3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined.
4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add milk to loosen the batter slightly. Mix gently to avoid overworking the flour.
6: Add Optional Ingredients
Fold in chopped walnuts if desired.
7: Pour and Smooth
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8: Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until 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 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add Mix-Ins: Chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut make excellent additions.
- Reduce Sugar: Swap part of the brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for natural sweetness.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil and milk with almond, oat, or soy milk.
- Enhance Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of ginger for warmth.
- Boost Nutrition: Include chia seeds, flaxseeds, or oats for added fiber and protein.
- Moisture Tip: For extra moist bread, fold in ¼ cup Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~258 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 18g |
Whole wheat flour contributes fiber and minerals, while bananas provide natural sweetness, potassium, and vitamin B6. Optional nuts increase protein and healthy fats.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter, nut butter, or a drizzle of honey.
- Pair with coffee or tea for a hearty breakfast or snack.
- Top with yogurt and fresh berries for a wholesome treat.
- Slice and enjoy alongside soups or salads for a comforting meal.
Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Whole Wheat Banana Bread: Moist, Nutritious, and Full of Flavor
10 slices
servings15
minutes50
minutes258
kcalIngredients
3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk (or dairy-free alternative)
Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Add milk to loosen batter slightly. Mix gently.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
- Pour Batter: Transfer to prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before slicing.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas with brown spots are naturally sweeter and mash easily, creating a moist, flavorful bread.
Do Not Overmix: Once flour is added, fold gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense and heavy.
FAQs
1. Can I make whole wheat banana bread without eggs?
Yes! You can use flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water per egg) or chia eggs as a vegan substitute. This will keep the bread moist and slightly dense, similar to traditional banana bread.
2. Do I need to use whole wheat flour only?
You can use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter texture. Using 100% whole wheat flour gives a heartier, nuttier flavor and more fiber.
3. How ripe should the bananas be?
Use very ripe bananas with brown spots. Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash easily, making the bread naturally moist and flavorful.
4. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the brown sugar slightly or replace part of it with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. The bananas already add natural sweetness.
5. How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour.
- Make sure the bananas are ripe but not overripe to the point of being watery.
- Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for proper rise.
Conclusion
Whole wheat banana bread is a delicious, wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Soft, moist, and naturally sweet, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and endless customization options, this bread fits seamlessly into both everyday routines and special occasions.
