I have partnered with SPLENDA® to create this Banana Bread. I have been compensated for my time commitment to work with their product; however, all opinions are entirely my own.

Indulge Guilt-Free: The Ultimate Lighter Banana Bread Recipe

There’s something inherently comforting and irresistible about a freshly baked loaf of banana bread. The aroma alone can transport you to a cozy kitchen, evoking memories of simpler times. It’s a classic treat, a perfect snack, and arguably the best way to rescue those forgotten, over-ripe bananas on your counter. However, the traditional banana bread recipe often comes with a secret: it can be a veritable calorie bomb, loaded with excessive fat and sugar that detract from its wholesome appeal.

What if you could enjoy that same sweet, moist, and utterly swoon-worthy banana bread without the guilt? What if each slice brought pure joy, knowing it was a healthier choice? I am absolutely thrilled to share a revolutionary recipe for a lighter banana bread that promises all the deliciousness of the original but is significantly better for you. This isn’t just a slight modification; it’s a thoughtful re-imagining that maintains flavor and texture while cutting down on calories and carbs. Imagine starting your day with a slice of this wholesome bread as part of a healthy breakfast (perhaps alongside some eggs and fresh fruit), or simply savoring it as a satisfying afternoon snack. It even makes a wonderfully thoughtful hostess gift for any upcoming holiday gatherings, and trust me, no one will ever suspect that a single slice contains a mere 152 calories!

For those tracking their nutritional intake, especially within the Weight Watchers community, this recipe is a game-changer. To effortlessly view your current Points for this delightful recipe and seamlessly track it within the WW app or website, simply click here. Making healthier choices has never been so delicious or convenient!

The Secret to Sweetness: Revolutionizing Your Baking with SPLENDA® Naturals

One of the cornerstone secrets to achieving such incredible flavor and texture in this lighter banana bread, while significantly reducing its calorie and carbohydrate count, is the innovative use of SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend. This exceptional sweetener is precisely what it sounds like: a perfectly balanced blend crafted exclusively from cane sugar and pure stevia leaf extract. It represents a monumental leap forward in healthier baking, offering all the delightful sweetness you crave without the drawbacks of traditional sugar.

The benefits of this particular blend are truly impressive. Unlike many artificial sweeteners that can leave an unpleasant aftertaste, SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend delivers a clean, natural sweetness that is indistinguishable from full sugar. But the real magic lies in its nutritional profile: it contains half the calories and carbs per serving compared to regular sugar. This means you can indulge in your favorite baked goods with a much lighter conscience, knowing you’re making a smarter choice for your health.

Beyond its fantastic taste and reduced calorie count, this blend is specifically formulated to perform brilliantly in baking. Experienced bakers know that sugar does more than just sweeten; it plays a crucial role in the structure, rise, browning, texture, and moistness of baked goods. Many sugar substitutes fall short in these areas, often leading to disappointing results. However, because SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend includes real cane sugar, it masterfully provides all these essential functions. Your banana bread will achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust, a wonderfully tender crumb, and the perfect moist texture that defines a truly great loaf, all while being a healthier alternative.

Another incredible advantage that makes this sweetener a must-have in your pantry is its potency. You only need to use half the amount of SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend to achieve the same level of sweetness you would get from a full measure of traditional sugar. This means less product used, greater efficiency, and a continued reduction in overall sugar consumption. Great taste, made with natural ingredients, and a significant reduction in calories and carbs? It’s a definite win-win situation for anyone looking to bake smarter and live healthier. To explore more about SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweeteners, find a local store that carries their products, or purchase them online, make sure to visit Splenda.com/Naturals.

Smart Substitutions for a Healthier Bake

While the SPLENDA® Naturals blend is a star player in our healthier banana bread, it’s not the only hero. To further lighten the loaf without compromising on that coveted moist texture, I’ve made two additional strategic substitutions that make a significant impact. First, I replaced a portion of the oil typically found in banana bread recipes with plain nonfat Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is a fantastic ingredient for baking; it adds incredible moisture and richness without the added fat, and it introduces a wonderful boost of protein. This swap contributes to a more tender crumb and a slightly tangy depth that perfectly complements the sweetness of the bananas.

My second key ingredient change involves the flour. Instead of using traditional all-purpose white flour, I opted for my favorite white whole wheat flour. Since I began blogging about recipes in 2010, I’ve often received questions about this particular flour, and for good reason! Many people associate whole wheat flour with a dense texture and a strong, sometimes overpowering, nutty flavor. However, white whole wheat flour is a distinct variety made from a lighter-colored wheat berry. It delivers all the nutritional benefits of whole wheat, including fiber and nutrients, but with a milder flavor and a lighter texture that closely mimics that of white flour. This means you get the wholesome goodness of whole grains without sacrificing the light and airy feel of a classic banana bread.

White whole wheat flour is becoming increasingly popular and is now widely available. You can typically find several different brands carrying this type of flour at most local grocery stores. If, for any reason, you have difficulty locating it, don’t worry! You can certainly substitute regular whole wheat flour for a more robust flavor and denser texture, or use all-purpose white flour if that’s what you have on hand and prioritize the traditional texture. The beauty of baking is its flexibility, and while these substitutions elevate the health profile, the core recipe remains delicious with slight adjustments.

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Every Time

Choose the Right Bananas: The darker the spots, the sweeter the bread! Over-ripe bananas (almost completely brown or black) are crucial for the best flavor and moisture. Their starches have converted to sugar, providing natural sweetness and an intense banana flavor that perfectly complements the SPLENDA® Naturals.
Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to a tough, dry bread. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. If it has wet batter clinging to it, bake for a few more minutes.
Cool Properly: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This allows it to set up and prevents it from sticking or crumbling when removed.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Countertop Storage: Once completely cooled, store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness, you might wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container.
Refrigeration: While not strictly necessary, refrigerating banana bread can extend its shelf life by a few extra days, especially in warmer climates.
Freezing for Later: Banana bread freezes beautifully! Once completely cool, wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave or oven for a quick treat.

Wholesome & Light Banana Bread

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 50 mins

Total Time: 1 hr

Yield: 12 slices

Enjoy this delightful, lighter banana bread that promises all the sweetness and moistness of the classic recipe, but with significantly fewer calories and carbohydrates!

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Ingredients

¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend
2 large eggs
1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2-3 medium bananas)
1/3 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Lightly mist a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking, and then set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil and SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend. Whisk these two ingredients together thoroughly until they are well integrated. Next, crack in the two large eggs and continue whisking until the eggs are completely beaten into the mixture and the batter is smooth.
To the wet mixture, add the mashed ripe banana, plain nonfat Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Continue to whisk all these ingredients together until they are fully combined and the batter has a uniform consistency.
Gradually add the white whole wheat flour to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Using a spoon or a rubber spatula, gently stir the flour into the batter until the ingredients are *just* combined. It is crucial not to overmix at this stage, as overworking the flour can result in a tough loaf. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly acceptable.
Carefully transfer the prepared batter into your greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly across the pan. Place the loaf pan into your preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. The banana bread is properly cooked when a wooden toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, without any wet batter clinging to it.
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This cooling period helps the bread set and makes it easier to remove without breaking. After this initial cooling, carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, slice the bread into 12 even pieces and enjoy your wholesome treat!

Recipe Notes & Nutritional Information

WW Points: To view your current WW Points for this recipe and track it in the WW app or site, click here!

WW Points per slice: 3* (calculated using the recipe builder on weightwatchers.com)

*Note: This recipe calculates as 4 Points if you are following the diabetic WW plan.

Nutrition Information per slice:

Calories: 152 kcal
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Sugars: 7 g
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Fiber: 2 g (Information sourced from myfitnesspal.com)

MyWW SmartPoints per (1 slice) serving: (calculated using the recipe builder on weightwatchers.com)

Green: 4 SmartPoints
Blue: 4 SmartPoints
Purple: 4 SmartPoints

Weight Watchers Points Plus:

4 per slice (Calculated using the recipe builder on weightwatchers.com)

Author: Emily Bites

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

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