There’s nothing quite as comforting as a freshly baked loaf of banana bread. If you’re looking for a recipe that skips the butter but doesn’t skimp on flavor, you’re in the right place! This easy banana bread recipe uses healthier alternatives to butter, delivering a moist, tender loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
Why Go Butter-Free?
Swapping out butter not only reduces saturated fat but also adds unique flavors depending on your substitute. In this recipe, we use oil and yogurt for richness and moisture. The result? A banana bread so good, you won’t miss the butter at all.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, oil, yogurt, vanilla, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Fold Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread
- Use overripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for variety.
- Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
This banana bread is proof that you don’t need butter to create a delicious, moist loaf that everyone will love. Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or just trying to lighten things up, this recipe will hit the spot!
