Craving banana bread without the heavy calories? This Low Calorie Banana Bread is lightened up, naturally sweetened, and still delivers all the moist, cozy, banana-rich flavor you love—without the excess sugar, oil, or refined flour.
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this version is made with whole wheat flour, ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, and a touch of maple syrup. No butter. No refined sugar. Just real ingredients, real flavor, and around 100–120 calories per slice.
Introduction: A Lightened Classic That Tastes Like the Real Thing
Banana bread is one of those nostalgic bakes that feels like a warm hug. But most traditional recipes are loaded with oil, sugar, and white flour—more like cake than breakfast.
This low calorie banana bread takes a healthier turn while keeping all the best parts: a moist crumb, deep banana flavor, and golden crust. With naturally sweet overripe bananas, protein-rich Greek yogurt, and minimal sweetener, it’s a better-for-you version that doesn’t sacrifice texture or taste.
And the best part? It’s freezer-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients Overview: Healthy Swaps Without Compromise
1. Ripe Bananas
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Use 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1¼ cups)
Why it matters: Bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, so you need less added sugar and fat.
2. Whole Wheat Flour
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Use white whole wheat flour or a 50/50 blend with all-purpose
Why it matters: Adds fiber and nutrients while keeping a soft, tender texture.
3. Greek Yogurt
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Use plain nonfat or low-fat Greek yogurt (⅓ cup)
Why it matters: Replaces oil or butter, adds protein, and keeps the bread moist.
4. Egg
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1 large egg
Why it matters: Helps bind and lift the bread without needing extra fat.
5. Maple Syrup or Honey
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Just 2–3 tbsp for a hint of added sweetness
Why it matters: Keeps sugar content low while enhancing the banana flavor.
6. Baking Essentials
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Baking soda, salt, cinnamon, vanilla extract
Why it matters: These boost flavor and ensure the bread rises properly.
7. Optional Add-ins
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Dark chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or blueberries
Why it matters: Great for variety, but keep portions small to maintain low calorie content.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Low Calorie Banana Bread
Ingredients
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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1 large egg
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⅓ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
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2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup white whole wheat flour
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp salt
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Optional: 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts
1. Preheat Oven
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Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×5” loaf pan or line with parchment.
2. Mash the Bananas
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In a large bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
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Add the egg, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla to the bananas.
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Whisk until fully combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
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Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together.
Tip: Measure flour correctly—spoon into the cup, then level off.
5. Mix It All Together
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Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.
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Fold in any add-ins (optional).
6. Bake
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Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
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Smooth the top and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Low Calorie Tips
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Use nonfat yogurt and skip chocolate chips for the lightest version
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For extra fiber, stir in 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
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Add sliced banana on top instead of sugar glaze for visual appeal
Flavor Variations
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Add ½ tsp nutmeg or ginger for warming spice
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Swirl in 1 tbsp peanut butter for banana-PB vibes
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Fold in ½ cup blueberries or diced apples for a fruity twist
Gluten-Free Option
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Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—make sure it contains xanthan gum
Vegan Option
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Replace egg with 1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water
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Use dairy-free yogurt (such as coconut or almond yogurt)
Muffin Version
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Divide batter into muffin tins
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Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes
Serving Ideas & Occasions
This banana bread is:
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Perfect for breakfast with almond butter or yogurt
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Great for kids’ lunches—not too sweet, no refined sugar
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Ideal as a pre/post workout snack with carbs + protein
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Great for meal prep—freezes beautifully
Serving Suggestions:
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Toast slices and top with almond or peanut butter
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Add sliced bananas and cinnamon
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Drizzle lightly with maple syrup
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Serve with Greek yogurt and berries
Nutritional & Health Notes
This banana bread is:
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Low in calories (100–120 per slice)
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Low in fat (2–3g per slice)
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Refined sugar-free
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High in fiber from bananas and whole wheat flour
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Contains protein from Greek yogurt and egg
Estimated Nutrition (per slice, 10 slices total):
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Calories: 105–115
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 2.5g
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Carbs: 18g
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Sugar: 5–6g
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Fiber: 2–3g
These values may vary slightly depending on brands and add-ins.
FAQ: Low Calorie Banana Bread
1. Can I make this banana bread without yogurt?
Yes—replace yogurt with unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado (same amount). The texture may be slightly softer.
2. How do I make it sweeter without sugar?
Add an extra ½ banana or increase maple syrup to 3 tbsp. For a sugar-free version, try monk fruit syrup or stevia-based sweeteners.
3. Can I freeze this banana bread?
Absolutely. Slice and wrap individual pieces or freeze the whole loaf. Thaw overnight or microwave a slice for 30 seconds.
4. What flour works best for low calorie banana bread?
White whole wheat flour gives a soft texture with added fiber. You can also use oat flour or a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat.
5. How do I prevent banana bread from being dry?
Use ripe bananas, don’t overbake, and don’t overmix. Greek yogurt helps keep it moist with no extra oil.
6. Can I make this into muffins instead?
Yes. Divide into a 12-cup muffin tin and bake for 18–22 minutes. Great for portion control and meal prep.
7. Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Yes—replace up to ¼ cup flour with 1 scoop (25–30g) protein powder. You may need an extra tablespoon of yogurt or banana for moisture.