Are you craving a moist, delicious banana bread but watching your sugar intake? This recipe is your answer! This Banana Bread Splenda recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of classic banana bread, but with a significantly reduced sugar content thanks to the use of Splenda. It's a perfect example of how healthy eating doesn't have to compromise on taste. This easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, making it a fantastic addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire. Get ready to enjoy a homemade treat that's both satisfying and guilt-free!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup Splenda granulated sweetener (or to taste)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your banana bread releases easily from the pan.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a perfectly textured loaf.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and Splenda until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
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Bananas & Nuts: Gently fold in the mashed bananas and optional nuts. The mashed bananas add moisture and sweetness, resulting in a wonderfully tender crumb.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.
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Cool & Serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set properly and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Ripe Bananas are Key: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture. The browner, the better!
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Customize Your Flavor: Add chocolate chips, raisins, or other nuts for variations on this delicious recipe.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter along with the bananas and nuts.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves along with the cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250 Sugar: Significantly reduced compared to traditional recipes Fat: Moderate
This healthy and delicious Banana Bread Splenda recipe is a perfect example of how easy it is to enjoy homemade cooking and delicious dishes without sacrificing your health goals. Enjoy this easy recipe as a sweet treat, breakfast bread, or a satisfying snack. This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike and is sure to become a staple in your home.