Are you craving a comforting, moist banana bread but worried about the calories? Look no further! This Weight Watchers-friendly recipe delivers all the deliciousness of classic banana bread without the guilt. It's a perfect healthy meal prep option, a satisfying snack, or even a delightful breakfast treat. This easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and requires minimal cleanup, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas. Get ready to bake up a batch of guilt-free goodness!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose)
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar substitute (e.g., Splenda, Stevia) – adjust to your preference
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your banana bread releases easily.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This combines all the dry components for even distribution in the batter.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. Add the applesauce, eggs, sugar substitute, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined. Using a fork or a whisk makes this process quick.
- 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 bread.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooling.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Ripe Bananas are Key: Use very ripe, almost brown bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The riper they are, the sweeter and more moist your banana bread will be.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it's perfect.
- Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Add-ins: Feel free to add ½ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), chocolate chips (sugar-free), or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on ingredients used)
- Weight Watchers Points: Will vary depending on the specific ingredients and the Weight Watchers plan you are following. Use a Weight Watchers points calculator for accurate estimations.
This delicious and healthy banana bread recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. It’s easy, adaptable, and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without derailing your healthy eating goals. Enjoy!