This oil-free banana bread contains whole wheat flour and is made with only healthy ingredients. It is also refined sugar-free and completely plant-based/vegan. It is made with simple ingredients making it an easy recipe that is both nutritious and delicious.
Homemade banana bread is a classic household recipe and a perfect way to use those overly ripe bananas. Nothing quite compares to the sweet smell of a loaf fresh out of the oven. While most banana breads are full of refined-sugar and various unhealthy fats, this recipe contains nothing but clean ingredients, while also being both oil and refined sugar-free. This makes it the perfect guilt-free recipe to always have on hand. In addition to this recipe, this breakfast chocolate bread and this blueberry bread use the same healthy base ingredients.
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The ripe bananas along with the maple syrup allow for just enough sweetness where it doesn’t over power the bread. Meanwhile, the use of whole wheat flour provides a nutritious alternative to the more commonly used all purpose. One ingredient not usually found in banana bread is peanut butter. This secret ingredient is a healthy fat that is used is place of what would typically be butter without altering the classic banana bread flavor.
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Notes
• Because this recipe uses all whole wheat flour, the texture of the bread will be different than bread made with all-purpose. Baking with whole wheat flour and no oil typically results in a denser and darker end product. The use of whole wheat flour gives the bread greater nutritional value as well as being a less processed and an overall healthier alternative to all-purpose flour.
• It is important that you do not over-stir the batter. Over stirring will cause the bread to be very dense. This is because it breaks up the bubbles in the batter that make the bread lighter.
• Avoid using an aluminum loaf pan. Opt for a glass loaf pan and line with parchment paper or cover in unrefined, virgin coconut oil.
• Make sure to bake the banana bread until it is completely cooked throughout. Insert a toothpick in the center, if it comes out clean remove the bread from the oven. Removing the bread too soon will cause the center to sink. Leaving the bread in the oven for too long will result is a dryer and more crumbly bread.
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Whole Wheat Banana Bread
This whole wheat banana bread is easy to make and so delicious! Made with whole wheat flour among other clean and nutritious ingredients, this banana bread is also oil-free, refined sugar-free, vegan and wfpb! Make an extra loaf and freeze for an easy, healthy breakfast or snack. Top it with a scoop of nice cream for dessert!
Ingredients
- 240 grams whole wheat flour (2 cups)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbs cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 medium, ripe bananas (roughly 1 1/2 cups ,mashed)
- 1/2 cup apple sauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (add more if your like your bread sweeter or if your bananas aren't super ripe)
- 1 tbs apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp almond extract (can sub for vanilla extract)
- 2 tbs peanut butter
- 1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
Instructions
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Refer to notes above for help regarding this recipe.
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover a loaf pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
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In a medium sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
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Using a stand or handheld mixer add applesauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, almond extract and peanut butter. Mix together until everything is combined.
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Add your bananas to the mixer and mix until they are mashed and incorporated into the wet ingredients.
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Taking your dry ingredients, slowly add them to your wet mixture. It is best to hand stir these together as it is important not to over stir the bread batter.
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Chop the walnuts.
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Transfer the bread batter to the loaf pan. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top and lightly press them into the batter.
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Bake for 45 minutes to one hour. Insert a toothpick into the center to make sure the bread is cooked thoroughly. If it comes out clean, the bread it done. *Removing the bread from the oven before it is completely baked will cause the center to sink in the center.*
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Allow the banana bread to fully cool before slicing.
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Enjoy toasted, topped with almond butter, or simply as it is. Cut the banana bread into slices and freeze for an easy, healthy and quick heat-and-eat breakfast or snack.
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My husband encountered some health problems so we have radically changed our diet. This recipe is perfect and free of the ingredients he can’t have. I have made it several times, exactly as written and it comes out perfect ever time. Thank you so much for the work that you put into this, it matters.
Amazing banana bread! Not super sweet. Just right! I love the almond extract. Really stands out in the best way. Thank you!
Best WFPB banana bread! My whole family loved it and I’ll be making it again! Thank you!!
This banana bread is SO good. It reminds me of the pound cake slices I used to get at Starbucks in my pre-plant based days. Very moist and almost decadent. This recipe is a keeper.
Thank you, Brenda! I’m so glad you enjoyed the banana bread!
– Alexis
What does apple sauce do? I’m going to sub dates for maple syrup but don’t have apple sauce on hand. Is it for sweetness? Thanks
Hi Malini!
Yes, the apple sauce does help with sweetness. I have never tried it without, but I think it would turn out good. It may just have a slightly different texture. Let me know how it turns out. Hope you enjoy!
– Alexis
Can you add hemp seeds or ground flaxseed or both to this recipe?
Hi Jo Jo!
I have never tried it, but I don’t see why not. It may slightly alter the texture, but I doubt it would be much of a change. Let me know if you try it!
– Alexis
Made both the blueberry and whole wheat banana breads. Awesome and wholesome recipe! Thank you for sharing! Can these be made unto muffins?
Exactly what I was looking for.
Heathy , simple and delicious. I added a few chocolate chips. Thank you . I will try your other breads.
Hi! I am so glad you liked the banana bread, hope you enjoy the others!
-Alexis