There’s truly nothing better than pulling a fresh loaf of banana bread out of the oven, which is why I’m constantly testing out new, unique, delicious recipes for you.
Did you know that I have over 10 healthy banana bread recipes on my site? Oh yes, you could say I’ve been on a kick for quite some time. You know these aren’t your regular old, plain banana bread recipes. I have everything from the best carrot cake banana bread to one that seriously tastes like a chocolate brownie.
I have a number of gluten-free banana bread recipes and even the best vegan one you’ll ever eat — so there’s truly something for everyone. Leave a comment and let me know which one is your fav!
My best tips for perfect banana bread
Regardless of the recipe you’re working with, I have a few tips and tricks that will ensure perfect banana bread every time:
- Follow the recipe. This one may be obvious, but I get hundreds of questions each day about ways to substitute different flours, wet ingredients, etc. The key to perfect banana bread is to use the recipe that was created, tested, and re-tested for you! I will always note substitution suggestions within the post and in the notes section of the recipe — both ones that I’ve tried and ones that I haven’t but think will work.
- Use overripe bananas. When I say overripe, I mean OVER. Super ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are what help naturally sweeten banana bread and give it that true banana flavor!
- Don’t overmix the batter. This tip is mostly for using regular flours (not gluten-free flours). Over-mixing the batter will create tough, dense banana bread. You only need to mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Try it the next day. Banana bread is always best the day after it’s baked, as the sugars release, and the bread gets sweeter!
Have fun with mix-ins
If you couldn’t already tell by scrolling through these banana breads, yes, I love to mix in chocolate chips. What’s better than warm, melted chocolate in every bite? I think nothing. BUT chocolate chips aren’t the only thing you can mix in to make your banana bread extra special! Feel free to get creative by adding any of the following to your banana bread batter:
- Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans
- Blueberries or dried fruits
- Peanut butter chips (omg yes)
Don’t forget to top each slice with a little butter, honey, and flaky sea salt (my fav combo) or your fav nut butter. SO GOOD.
Banana bread baking tools
Get all of our go-to kitchen essentials here!
Best Ever Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
Delicious super moist healthy banana bread made with whole wheat flour, protein packed Greek yogurt and naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup. Easy to make and perfect for brunch or snacking. Everyone loves this healthy banana bread recipe because it can easily be made into muffins, too!
Healthier Carrot Cake Banana Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Delicious healthier carrot cake banana bread that tastes just like a cross between moist carrot cake and your favorite banana bread. This easy carrot cake banana bread recipe is lightened up with applesauce, dairy free milk and coconut sugar, and topped with an incredible cinnamon cream cheese frosting!
Peanut Butter Lover’s Banana Bread
The best peanut butter banana bread filled with chocolate chips and topped with a fluffy peanut butter frosting. This easy peanut butter chocolate chip banana bread is deliciously moist, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and pure maple syrup, and makes the perfect snack or treat!
Healthy Honey Flax Tahini Banana Bread
Healthy tahini banana bread made with whole wheat flour, flaxseed, sesame seeds and naturally sweetened with honey. This oil-free healthy banana bread is wonderful toasted with a drizzle of honey.
Nourishing Almond Flour Banana Bread
Simple and delicious one bowl almond flour banana bread packed with nourishing ingredients and sweetened only with bananas. This gluten free, grain free, dairy free and paleo banana bread will be your new favorite to bake when you have extra ripe bananas. Chocolate chips optional, but recommended!
The Best Vegan Banana Bread You’ll Ever Eat
The best vegan banana bread you’ll ever eat is moist, flavorful and tastes like the nostalgic, traditional banana bread you know and love. This easy vegan banana bread recipe uses simple ingredients and makes an incredible brunch treat or snack. Options to add chocolate chips and nuts to make it extra special!
Paleo Zucchini Banana Bread Bars
Incredible zucchini banana bread bars made soft and delicious with coconut flour and naturally sweetened with ripe banana and a bit of pure maple syrup. These easy, grain and gluten-free zucchini banana bars make the perfect treat or snack when the sweet tooth cravings hit!
Chickpea Flour Banana Bread (gluten free!)
Beautiful & nutritious chickpea flour banana bread packed with protein & fiber for the perfect breakfast or snack. This gluten free chickpea flour banana bread is also nut free, dairy free and naturally sweetened! Enjoy with chocolate chips or your favorite nuts.
Healthy Chocolate Brownie Banana Bread
Healthy chocolate banana bread made with almond flour and naturally sweetened with bananas and a touch of pure maple syrup. This paleo, dairy-free, and gluten-free chocolate banana bread tastes like a fudgy brownie and will be your new favorite to bake when you have extra bananas.
Double Chocolate Paleo Banana Bread
Incredible double chocolate paleo banana bread made with almond flour and coconut flour! This easy paleo chocolate banana bread is naturally sweetened with only bananas and chocolate chips and makes the perfect breakfast or snack.
Paleo Chocolate Chip Coconut Flour Banana Bread
Grain free coconut flour banana bread that’s dairy free and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas. This easy coconut flour banana bread is made in one bowl and makes such a delicious breakfast or snack with a spread of your favorite nut butter on top!
Healthy Marbled Chocolate Zucchini Banana Bread
Healthy marbled chocolate zucchini banana bread naturally sweetened with bananas, pure maple syrup, and chocolate chips for a delicious breakfast or snack! This gorgeous loaf is swirled to perfection with a double chocolate layer and is the perfect combination of your favorite zucchini and banana bread.
If you make any of these banana bread recipes, be sure to leave a comment and a rating on the recipe so I know how you liked it!
Hi- I love the banana bread recipes! i need to use sour cream before it goes bad? which of these recipes would be best to add or exchange and ingredient for sour cream
thank you!
Hi! You could try replacing the yogurt in my Best Ever Healthy Banana Bread Recipe.
I love bananas so much. I often have it as a dessert after lunch. Now I know how to combine it as an ingredient for making bread.
cant wait to make all soon for me for the best ever healthy banana bread can i use vegan butter and healthier carrot cake banana bread with cinnamon cream cheese frosting can i use vgean cream cheese i never hd banana bread before i love banana sooooooooooo much just bookmarked all of your banana bread recipes perfect for my after office snacks love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
Yay!! Excited for you to try these! Yes vegan butter + cream cheese will work 🙂