Healthy Banana Bread Recipes With Greek Yogurt
Banana bread is a classic recipe that everyone loves. It's sweet, moist, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. But traditional banana bread recipes are often high in sugar and calories, making them less than ideal for those trying to eat a healthy diet.
Luckily, there are many ways to make healthier banana bread, and one of the best is to use Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is a great ingredient for many recipes because it's high in protein, low in fat, and has a tangy flavor that pairs well with bananas.
Why Use Greek Yogurt In Banana Bread?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute for some of the less healthy ingredients in traditional banana bread recipes. Here are some of the benefits of using Greek yogurt in your banana bread:
- High protein: Greek yogurt is a great source of protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer.
- Low fat: Greek yogurt is lower in fat than many other types of yogurt or sour cream, which can help reduce the calorie count of your banana bread.
- Tangy flavor: The tangy flavor of Greek yogurt pairs well with the sweetness of bananas, creating a delicious flavor combination.
- Moisture: Greek yogurt adds moisture to your banana bread, keeping it soft and tender.
Healthy Banana Bread Recipes With Greek Yogurt
Now that you know why Greek yogurt is a great ingredient for banana bread, here are some healthy banana bread recipes to try:
1. Basic Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
This recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction is a simple, classic banana bread recipe made with Greek yogurt. It's easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or oil.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Add baking soda and salt and stir to combine.
- Add flour and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Vegan Banana Bread With Greek Yogurt
If you're looking for a vegan banana bread recipe that uses Greek yogurt, try this one from Detoxinista. It's made with almond milk and coconut oil for a slightly nutty flavor, and uses flax eggs as a vegan alternative to regular eggs.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 flax eggs (mix 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons water and let sit for 5 minutes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or oil.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, almond milk, coconut oil, maple syrup, flax eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add baking soda and salt and stir to combine.
- Add flour and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Gluten-Free Banana Bread With Greek Yogurt
If you're looking for a gluten-free banana bread recipe that uses Greek yogurt, try this one from The Roasted Root. It's made with almond flour and coconut flour for a gluten-free option, and uses honey as a natural sweetener.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or oil.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, honey, eggs, coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Add almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Conclusion
Using Greek yogurt in your banana bread is a great way to make it healthier without sacrificing flavor or texture. These recipes are just a few examples of the many ways you can use Greek yogurt in your baking. So next time you're in the mood for some banana bread, try one of these healthy recipes and enjoy a guilt-free treat!