Sugar & Oil Free Banana Bread with Honey and Applesauce: Delicious and Healthy Recipe
One of the most appealing healthy baked goods would have to be banana bread, but traditional recipes often call for things like refined sugar and oil, which really pump up the calories and greatly detract from what might otherwise be a healthy way to enjoy baked goods. Thankfully, there’s a way to lighten up banana bread by substituting sugar with honey and oil with applesauce. Herein, guide yourself through one delicious and healthy banana bread recipe which you can easily make at home without sacrificing flavor.
Why Choose Honey and Applesauce?
Honey is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, having added health benefits as well. Rich in antioxidants, antimicrobial properties, it’s also gentle on the blood sugar compared to white sugar. This subtly sweet ingredient really brings out the flavor of the bananas in this recipe.
Applesauce, in turn, is excellent as a substitute for oil. It makes the bread moist without adding the extra fat from oils. Apart from that, it is low in calories and full of goodness packed with dietary fiber and Vitamin C. Combination of honey with applesauce insures that your banana bread would be moist and sweet-while being much healthier than the other traditional versions.
Key Ingredients for Healthy Banana Bread
Here is what you will need for this healthy banana bread recipe:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour– An healthier option than all-purpose flour, yielding more fiber and more nutrients.
- 1 tsp baking soda– Bread rises with its aid.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt– Will give flavor, but not much sodium.
- 1/2 cup sugar-free applesauce– Oil substitute; makes the bread moist without adding extra fat.
- ¾ cup honey – Natural sweetener that brings flavor without refined sugars.
- 2 eggs, beaten – This will help bind the ingredients and assist in the texture of the bread.
- 3 mashed overripe bananas – Adds natural sweetness and extra moisture.
Step-by-Step Directions for Making the Best Healthy Banana Bread
1. Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Preheating is important for evenly baking banana bread. It produces a golden crust while maintaining moisture on the inside.
2. Prepare the Loaf Pan
Lightly apply non-stick spray to the 9×5 inch loaf pan or brush it with a small amount of butter. You might also line it with parchment paper for ease of removal after baking.
**3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In the large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix it in well so that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Using whole wheat flour instead of white is a great way to get extra fiber, which is good for digestion and helps you stay fuller longer.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce and honey until well combined. The two ingredients are a must when making this banana bread healthier yet full of flavor. Applesauce adds moisture, while honey provides natural sweetness. Stir in the beaten eggs and mashed bananas once these are well incorporated. Overripe bananas work best because they offer a much higher level of sweetness and add more creaminess to the mix.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Fold the wet mix into the dry ingredients with caution not to overmix; this will result in a dense and tough banana bread. Stir until the ingredients are just moistened and combined, where the batter will be thick with some visible small lumps of banana, which will add to the bread’s final texture.
**6. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter in the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60 to 65 minutes. As baking may take longer or shorter, depending on your oven, always check toward the end of the estimated cooking time. If you would like to check if bread is done, simply insert a toothpick or knife in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, your banana bread is done.
7. Cool Before Serving
After cooking, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool down for about 10 minutes in the tin. Then turn it out to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling on a wire rack allows moisture to escape so that the bread bottom does not get soggy.
Tips to Have Perfect Banana Bread Every Time
**1. Overripe Bananas
The best bananas for banana bread are those that are overripe, with brown spots on the skin. An overripe banana is far sweeter and softer, making it very easy to mash and incorporate into the batter. They give a lot more flavor and make your bread have a much richer banana taste.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
When wet and dry ingredients are being combined, this is a time when overmixing should not be done. Too much stirring will activate the gluten in the flour, which can make bread tough and chewy. Mix only until just combined for a tender loaf.
3. Make It Your Own
You can make this banana bread recipe your very own by adding an extra ingredient or two. Some additions that are so popular include:
- Nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, which add texture and healthy fats.
Caramelize dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to add for sweetness. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give warmth and flavor.
Banana bread will keep at room temperature for 3 days. It will keep a week refrigerated and 3 months frozen. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to retain moisture.
**Health Benefits of This Banana Bread
This banana bread is made healthier by replacing refined sugar with honey and oil with applesauce, yet it does not cease to be delicious. Honey sweetens it, while the content of honey provides an antioxidant effect that helps fend off inflammation and promotes a healthy immune system.
With whole wheat flour, the fiber content is higher, hence aiding digestion and regulating blood sugar levels. The bananas add a good dose of potassium to support heart health and blood pressure regulation. Adding to that, the applesauce reduces the fat content without compromising the moistness of the recipe, making it a staple for anyone counting calories.
Conclusion
This banana bread made out of honey and applesauce instead of sugar and oil is such a great way to indulge in a classic treat without guilt. It yields a moist, flavorful, and healthy loaf. Feel great serving this to your family or friends for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. This healthier banana bread recipe will become one of the staples in your kitchen.