Are you craving a moist, delicious banana bread but wary of the calorie count? Look no further! This Weight Watchers-friendly banana bread recipe delivers all the comforting flavors you love without the guilt. It's a perfect healthy meal option, a quick dinner addition, or a satisfying snack – and incredibly easy to make! This homemade cooking masterpiece is packed with the goodness of ripe bananas and a touch of sweetness, making it a guilt-free indulgence for your sweet tooth. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or gluten-free blend)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup chocolate chips (optional, use sugar-free if watching sugar intake)
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 bread releases easily.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Whisk in the applesauce, eggs, and honey/maple syrup. Combining wet ingredients separately helps maintain the bread's texture.
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Combine: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf, so be gentle!
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Add-ins (Optional): Stir in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips (if using). This is where you personalize your loaf!
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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. Always check for doneness to avoid over-baking.
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Cool: 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.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Ripe Bananas are Key: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to test for doneness. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Customize Your Flavor: Add other spices like ginger or allspice, or try different nuts and dried fruits.
Variations:
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of cloves for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Peanut Butter Banana Bread: Stir in ½ cup of peanut butter (natural is best) for extra protein and flavor.
- Oatmeal Banana Bread: Substitute ½ cup of the flour with rolled oats for added fiber and texture.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 (depending on variations and serving size)
- Weight Watchers Points: Varies depending on the specific plan and ingredients used. Consult your Weight Watchers app or website for accurate points values.
This delicious and easy-to-follow recipe makes for a healthy and satisfying treat. Enjoy this perfect addition to your healthy meals and quick dinner ideas! Remember to adjust sweetness levels to your preference and feel free to experiment with different add-ins to create your perfect loaf of Weight Watchers banana bread. Happy baking!