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    Home » Recipes » Bread

    Healthy Whole Wheat Banana Nut Bread

    This healthy whole wheat banana nut bread is a delicious and guilt-free treat that's perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Made with clean eating ingredients, it's moist, flavorful, and packed with nutrients that will nourish your body and satisfy your taste buds.

    This banana bread recipe is so easy, you won't even need to break out your mixer. Mixing banana bread up in one bowl instead of using the mixer can be a quick and easy way to make a delicious treat. With just a fork or whisk, you can combine all the ingredients and create a moist and flavorful bread. Plus, there's less cleanup and fewer dishes to wash!

    If you like this recipe, you may also like this Healthy Whole Wheat Bread Recipe made with Stone Ground Wheat Flour.

    This healthy whole wheat banana nut bread is easy to make and can be enjoyed warm or cold, with a cup of coffee or tea. It's a tasty way to fuel your day and indulge in a sweet treat without compromising your health!

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    WHOLE WHEAT BANANA BREAD INGREDIENTS

    The banana nut bread is made with whole wheat flour, which is a great source of fiber and complex carbohydrates that help regulate blood sugar levels and promote satiety. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture while adding potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 to the recipe. The nuts dd crunch and healthy fats that support heart health and brain function.

    Freshly baked whole wheat banana bread

    WHITE WHOLE-WHEAT FLOUR

    I use White Whole-Wheat Flour, but you can use any flour you like, such as gluten-free flour, white flour, or oat flour. My preference is not to use regular whole-wheat flour or stone-ground whole wheat flour for this recipe as it tends to produce a heavier, denser loaf of bread.

    MAPLE SYRUP

    To keep this bread clean, we use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, healthy coconut oil, and avoid artificial flavors and preservatives.

    COCONUT OIL

    When baking, I almost always use coconut oil. You can read more about the benefits of cooking with coconut oil here. 

    EGGS

    Room temperature eggs break more easily, allowing the egg yolks to mix more evenly with the egg whites and other ingredients.

    BANANAS

    Bananas need to be very ripe. This helps them to mash easier and also makes them sweeter.

    PECANS

    I love pecans, and they will always be my go-to nut for baking, but you can switch them out for walnuts or any other nut you prefer. If you're following a nut-free diet, sunflower seeds would be a great alternative.  

    SPICES

    Cinnamon, vanilla, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. 

    HOW LONG DOES BANANA BREAD LAST?

    The shelf life of homemade banana bread can vary depending on a few factors, such as the ingredients used, how it was stored, and the humidity and temperature of the environment.

    Typically, if stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, homemade banana bread can last for 2-3 days. If refrigerated, it can last for up to a week. If frozen, it can last for up to 3 months.

    It's important to note that the texture and flavor of the bread may change over time, and it's best to use your own judgment when determining whether or not it's still good to eat. If the bread shows signs of mold, a sour smell, or an off taste, it should be discarded.

    HOW TO FREEZE BANANA BREAD

    Freezing homemade banana bread is a great way to preserve it for later consumption. Here are the steps to freeze banana bread:

    1. Allow the banana bread to cool completely at room temperature.
    2. Once cooled, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
    3. Place the wrapped banana bread in a freezer-safe plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing it.
    4. Label the bag with the date and type of bread for easy identification later.
    5. Place the bag in the freezer, laying it flat if possible, so the bread freezes evenly.
    6. Frozen banana bread can last for up to three months in the freezer.

    When you want to eat the frozen banana bread, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

    HEALTHY BANANA PECAN MUFFINS

    This easy banana nut bread recipe is easily made into banana pecan muffins! Simply pour your batter into a muffin tin lined with muffin liners and bake. Reduce the baking time to about 15 minutes and check for doneness.

    Banana Bread muffins piled in a pretty wooden bowl.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the best homemade food gift to give someone?

    Banana bread is the best food gift to give someone because it's easy to make, versatile, comforting, easy to transport, and customizable. It's a well-loved baked good that can be enjoyed any time of day and can evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

    How do you know when banana bread is done baking?

    1. Use a toothpick or cake tester: Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, with no wet batter sticking to it, the bread is done.
    2. Check the color: The bread should be a deep golden-brown color when it's done.
    3. Press the top of the bread: If the top of the bread springs back when you gently press it with your finger, it's done.
    4. Use a thermometer: Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the bread. When the internal temperature reaches around 200°F (93°C), the bread is done.

    Keep in mind that baking times can vary depending on factors such as your oven, the size of your loaf pan, and the ingredients you used. It's always a good idea to check the bread for doneness using one of these methods rather than relying solely on the baking time stated in the recipe.

    What can be made with overripe bananas?

    Overripe bananas are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes. One of the most popular recipes is banana bread, which is a moist and flavorful cake-like bread that is easy to make. The overripe bananas give it a sweet and fruity flavor that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
    Another delicious option is banana muffins, which can be made with nuts, chocolate chips, or blueberries to add extra flavor. Smoothies are also a great way to use overripe bananas, as they can be frozen and then blended with other fruits, yogurt, and milk for a healthy and delicious treat.

    Is Whole Wheat Banana Bread Healthy?

    Whole wheat banana bread can be a healthier alternative to traditional banana bread because it is made with whole wheat flour, which contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than refined white flour.

    More Healthy Whole Grain Breakfast Recipes

    • Healthy Homemade Granola with Hemp Hearts
    • Healthy Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
    • Simple Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Banana Bread
    • Ultimate Oat Flour Banana Bread
    • Healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

    📖 Recipe

    Loaf of banana bread

    Healthy Whole Wheat Banana Nut Bread

    Jessica Stroup
    This banana bread recipe is simply delicious and full of whole food ingredients you can feel good about!
    5 from 26 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16
    Calories 216 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup coconut oil melted and cooled
    • ¾ cup maple syrup or honey
    • 2 eggs room temperature
    • 3 bananas very ripe and mashed
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla
    • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 ¾ cup white whole-wheat flour
    • 1 cup pecans chopped

    Instructions
     

    • Grease and line loaf pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 350.
    • Stir together mashed bananas, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and eggs.
      Making banana bread. Mixing wet ingredients.
    • Mix in dry ingredients being sure to not over mix.
      Banana bread batter
    • Fold in pecans.
    • Pour into prepared loaf pan and bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes.
      Banana bread batter in a loaf pan ready to be baked.
    • Cool and enjoy!
      Loaf of banana nut bread, a slice of banana bread with melted butter, and a cup of black coffee

    Notes

    Since oven temperatures vary check the banana bread at 40 minutes. You can tent a piece of foil over the top of the bread if it is browning too quickly.
     
    Banana Bread is very nutrient-dense.  Because of this, I slice my loaves into thinner slices and usually get about 16 slices per loaf.  
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1sliceCalories: 216kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 177mgPotassium: 162mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 48IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Banana Bread, Banana Nut Bread, Banana Nut Muffins, Healthy Banana Bread, Simple Banana Bread
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Nutritional Disclaimer

    The nutritional information provided here is approximate and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. We strive to give you accurate information, but many factors can cause this data to vary widely. For more information, please read our full Nutritional Disclaimer.

    More Bread

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      Banana Blackberry Oatmeal Muffins
    • blackberry muffin on a white plate with fresh blackberries
      Gluten-Free Oatmeal Blackberry Muffins
    • stack of French toast on a plate
      Fluffy Protein-Packed French Toast
    • Freshly baked homemade stone ground whole wheat bread on a cutting board
      Old-Fashioned Stone Ground Whole Wheat Bread

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 26 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Carlyn says

      January 28, 2021 at 12:35 pm

      I love banana bread & this recipe is so simple. Already have most of the ingredients, so I’ll have to try it soon

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        January 30, 2021 at 2:15 pm

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Gregory Halpen says

      January 12, 2021 at 12:06 pm

      5 stars
      Looks so delicious! I bet the maple syrup and coconut oil add a delicious layer to your banana bread. I’m going to have to try that.

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        January 15, 2021 at 2:43 pm

        It's the best! Enjoy!

        Reply
    3. Amanda Marie says

      January 08, 2021 at 12:43 am

      5 stars
      I usually use walnuts because that's how my mom always made it, but I love the change to pecans!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        January 08, 2021 at 12:00 pm

        Awesome! Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Raquel says

      January 07, 2021 at 7:33 pm

      5 stars
      So good - the addition of honey makes for a wonderful flavor!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        January 08, 2021 at 12:00 pm

        So Yummy! I'm so happy you loved this banana bread recipe!

        Reply
    5. Kay says

      January 07, 2021 at 5:42 pm

      5 stars
      Love the addition of pecans in this banana bread. Gives a great crunch!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        January 08, 2021 at 12:01 pm

        I love nuts in my banana bread! I also feel like it keeps me fuller longer!

        Reply
    6. Saudia says

      January 07, 2021 at 3:55 am

      5 stars
      This looks so good! I can't wait to make this!!!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        January 08, 2021 at 12:16 pm

        Thank you!!!

        Reply
    7. Addison says

      January 07, 2021 at 2:22 am

      5 stars
      Banana bread is my favorite thing to bake! This loaf has the perfect texture!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        January 08, 2021 at 12:12 pm

        Thanks, Addison!

        Reply
    8. Elizabeth says

      January 07, 2021 at 1:29 am

      5 stars
      Such a fabulous recipe! So delicious!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        January 08, 2021 at 12:12 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    9. Lisa says

      December 06, 2020 at 5:32 pm

      5 stars
      Seriously delicious! I love the addition of pecans because...they make breads and desserts way yummier! Great recipe Jessica. 🙂

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        December 07, 2020 at 3:49 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    10. Ally says

      December 02, 2020 at 3:33 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! This looks delicious!!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        December 05, 2020 at 12:15 am

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    11. Nishtha says

      November 26, 2020 at 6:06 pm

      I have tried making banana bread earlier but it was a huge disaster. Will try this recipe as well, hope it works this time 😀

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 28, 2020 at 5:15 pm

        That's the worst! Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.

        Reply
    12. Arianna says

      November 26, 2020 at 10:05 am

      We've got some bananas going brown at the moment, so I'll have to try this this weekend 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 28, 2020 at 5:13 pm

        You're welcome! Enjoy!

        Reply
    13. Beth says

      November 25, 2020 at 2:40 pm

      5 stars
      Love love love banana bread.

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 25, 2020 at 11:25 pm

        So Good!

        Reply
    14. Kalu says

      November 09, 2020 at 8:00 pm

      5 stars
      This looks amazing! Will definitely give it a try.

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 09, 2020 at 11:09 pm

        Thanks, Kalu! I hope you love it!

        Reply
    15. Misskorang says

      November 09, 2020 at 7:10 pm

      One more delicious and healthy recipe to try with my kids. Thanks for this. I love it

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 09, 2020 at 11:10 pm

        My daughters love helping me bake too! Enjoy!!

        Reply
    16. Alicia says

      November 09, 2020 at 3:08 pm

      Yum! This looks so good. Will be making!

      Reply
    17. Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady says

      November 09, 2020 at 1:57 pm

      5 stars
      My kids are always hit or miss with eating bananas when I buy them. Last week was a miss, so I ended up making your recipe Friday night. It is so delicious!!! Tender, not too sweet and baked up beautifully. Thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
    18. Daphne says

      November 09, 2020 at 12:05 pm

      Excited for this one- love the idea of the maple syrup!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 09, 2020 at 12:15 pm

        Thanks, Daphne!

        Reply
    19. Gabriela says

      November 09, 2020 at 11:39 am

      5 stars
      Looks so fluffy and yummy.

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 09, 2020 at 12:15 pm

        Thanks, Gabriela! I'm so happy you love it!

        Reply
    20. Dusty says

      November 09, 2020 at 11:36 am

      This looks like an easy recipe & looks delicious. I love pecans too!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 09, 2020 at 12:16 pm

        Hey, Dusty! I'm so happy you like this recipe!!

        Reply
    21. Sarah says

      November 06, 2020 at 12:30 pm

      5 stars
      Made this yesterday and it is DELICIOUS

      Reply
    22. Rebecca says

      November 06, 2020 at 2:55 am

      I love banana bread and using maple syrup as well!! I feel it's so much healthier than the sugar, but I'm unfortunately allergic to pecans and coconut so I would have to leave those out. It looks delicious though!! 😀 It makes me wish I had already made it! Thank you so much for sharing!! 🙂

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 06, 2020 at 2:20 pm

        Hi, Rebecca. This bread is great with or without nuts. If you're not allergic to sunflower seeds or pepitas, they would be a great substitute. Thanks for your comments!

        Reply
    23. Katherine says

      November 06, 2020 at 12:29 am

      Great recipe! I’ve only used walnuts in the past, the pecans sounds great, and maple syrup! What a brilliant idea! Will have to try it out! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 06, 2020 at 2:21 pm

        Thanks, Katherine!

        Reply
    24. Angie says

      November 05, 2020 at 8:09 pm

      5 stars
      I love banana bread! And I like to try out new recipes for me and my daughter. This one is delicious!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 05, 2020 at 10:32 pm

        My girls love to help me bake and they most definitely love to eat this banana bread!

        Reply
    25. Stacy Boswell says

      November 05, 2020 at 6:56 pm

      5 stars
      I love banana bread with pecans and appreciate that you chose some healthier oil and sugar swaps. I am excited to try your recipe!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 05, 2020 at 10:33 pm

        Thanks, Stacy!?

        Reply
    26. Cassie says

      November 05, 2020 at 3:05 pm

      5 stars
      I always love trying a new banana bread recipe, and your recipe looks great too! I love the added pecans as well. I used to never like them until my mom made banana bread with them, and the pecans added an extra kick of sweetness. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 05, 2020 at 4:16 pm

        Yes! We LOVE pecans around here! Thanks so much!!

        Reply
    27. Lottie says

      November 05, 2020 at 2:52 pm

      5 stars
      Never thought of putting maple syrup in! Thanks for this recipe!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 05, 2020 at 4:16 pm

        Thank you, Lottie!

        Reply
    28. Michelle says

      November 05, 2020 at 1:41 pm

      Looks delicious! Love banana bread and white whole wheat flour.

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 05, 2020 at 4:15 pm

        Thanks, Michelle!

        Reply
    29. Lindsay says

      November 05, 2020 at 11:55 am

      Love that this recipe has pecans in it - they add such a yummy flavor and great crunch! Looks delish!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 05, 2020 at 4:15 pm

        Yay! So happy you like it. And thanks for the kind words!

        Reply
    30. Alex says

      November 05, 2020 at 11:53 am

      5 stars
      My wife loves bananas. I think I'm going to surprise her with that recipe ☺️

      Thank you for sharing, Jessica

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 05, 2020 at 4:13 pm

        You'll be the rockstar of the house for sure! I hope you both love it as much as we do.

        Reply
    31. Katie says

      November 05, 2020 at 11:27 am

      In our family we love banana bread! I can’t believe I’ve never thought about substituting the sugar for another sweetener. Definitely going to have to try this!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 05, 2020 at 4:12 pm

        Thanks, Katie! I hope you love it!

        Reply
    32. Alyssa Hixenbaugh says

      November 05, 2020 at 11:18 am

      5 stars
      I love banana bread, and I always try to make it with healthier ingredients. I really like your recipe and the ingredients you use. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
    33. Jeannie says

      November 04, 2020 at 1:59 pm

      so good! I never run out of bananas and I haven’t bake banana bread for a while now 🙂 this is such a sweet easy treat I should make again

      Reply
    34. Alicia says

      November 03, 2020 at 3:44 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! This looks so good!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 03, 2020 at 8:24 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Dark Chocolate Bark with Toasted Oats and Seeds - Healthy With a Chance of Sprinkles says:
      November 12, 2020 at 1:02 am

      […] Easy Banana Nut Bread with Pecans […]

      Reply
    2. Healthy Homemade Granola with Hemp Hearts - Healthy With a Chance of Sprinkles says:
      November 10, 2020 at 4:15 pm

      […] If you like this recipe you should check out my Healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars and Easy Banana Nut Bread with Pecans. […]

      Reply
    3. Healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars - Healthy With a Chance of Sprinkles says:
      November 3, 2020 at 10:13 pm

      […] you like this recipe, you should try my Easy Banana Nut Bread with Pecans and my Healthy Homemade Granola with Hemp […]

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    Photo of Jessica Stroup, Creator of Healthy With a Chance of Sprinkles

    I'm Jessica, creator of Healthy With a Chance of Sprinkles, celebrating wholesome living. My nursing career inspired me to advocate for wellness through the power of food. Join me in crafting wholesome, whole-food meals for health-conscious families.

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