Cooking Light Banana Bread

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A loaf of Cooking Light banana bread topped with chopped nuts is sliced on parchment paper atop a cooling rack. In the background, a plate holds another slice with a fork beside it.

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4.75 from 4 votes

If you are a fan of lighter recipes, then you will enjoy this Cooking Light Banana Bread! It's perfectly moist and flavorful while using simple ingredient swaps to keep things on the lighter side without sacrificing the amazing classic flavor.

Prep Time15

Cook Time45

Additional Time1

Servings: slices

Calories: 185kcal

Author: Melissa Griffiths

Equipment

Ingredients

1 cup mashed very ripe banana (about 3 small)
½ cup sugar
½ cup plain nonfat yogurt (or low-fat sour cream)
¼ cup butter (melted)
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup walnuts or pecans (toasted and chopped)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat an 8 ½ x 4 ½ x 3-inch loaf pan with baking spray and dust with flour.
Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture. Add the nuts and stir just until moistened.
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the top with sugar and more chopped nuts if you like.
Bake for 45 minute to 1 hour, or until the center registers between 200°F and 205°F on an instant read thermometer or a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes in the pan on a wire rack. Then remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.

Notes

Toasting Nuts: Toast walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to enhance their flavor and create better texture contrast.

Pan Preparation: Thoroughly coat your loaf pan with baking spray and dust with flour to ensure easy release and prevent sticking.

Baking Options: Want to use a muffin or bundt pan? Go for it! And of course you can't go wrong with a streusel topping. Just remember to bake mini loaves for 35 minutes or muffins for 18 minutes.

Mix-in options: Some of my favorite banana bread mix-ins include:

Craisins or other small pieces of dried fruit
Other nuts, including pecans, pistachios or hazelnuts
Chocolate chips for a decadent twist

Nutrition