This sugar-free banana bread recipe is naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, making it a healthier choice for a satisfying treat. Using simple ingredients, you’ll have a moist, flavorful banana bread with a touch of natural sweetness and no added sugar.
If you're a banana bread lover but you want to try an indulgent vegan banana bread recipe instead, then make sure to check out this vegan banana bread recipe that is made with coconut sugar. Another delicious healthy banana bread recipe that I make is this vegan protein buckwheat banana bread recipe or these egg free banana oatmeal cups. Lastly, I also make a delicious healthy brownie recipe using chickpeas!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Banana bread is one of my favorite recipes to make because it's the perfect breakfast or snack to have in the fridge during the week. My most favorite thing is about this recipe is that it is completely sugar free! By using extra-ripe bananas, we skip the added sugar without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like nuts and coconut oil for added texture and richness. Whether enjoyed fresh or stored for later, this banana bread makes a delicious, guilt-free snack that’s easy to prepare!
Ingredients Needed for Sugar Free Banana Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious banana bread:
- All-purpose flour (1 ⅓ cup): An essential ingredient for making banana bread.
- Ripe bananas (7 small, about 500 grams): Extra ripe bananas are naturally sweeter and bring a creamy, moist texture to the bread. By using extra bananas and extra ripe ones we are able to skip the added sugar.
- Egg (1): Helps bind the ingredients, providing structure. You can substitute with a flax egg to keep it plant-based.
- Nuts (1 cup, pecans or walnuts): Adds crunch and nutty flavor. Nuts also bring healthy fats and nutrients, balancing the natural sweetness of the bananas.
- Coconut oil (3 tbsp): Adds moisture and a subtle coconut flavor. Coconut oil is a healthy fat source, but it's most important role in this recipe is that it keeps the bread moist.
- Cinnamon (1 tbsp): This warm spice enhances the sweetness of the bananas without added sugar.
- Baking powder (1 tsp) and baking soda (¼ tsp): Essential leavening agents that help the banana bread rise and stay fluffy. Technically you don't need to add the baking soda but I personally find that it really helps with creating extra fluffy banana bread.
How to Make Sugar Free Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 7 small bananas (500 grams)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- 3 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the bananas: Peel and mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be, allowing for a delicious, sugar-free loaf.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the egg and melted coconut oil to the mashed bananas and stir well to combine.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined – avoid over-mixing.
- Fold in the nuts: Add in the nuts and gently fold into the batter.
- Prepare to bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a loaf pan with baking paper and spray with cooking oil. Pour the batter into the pan and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Cover with aluminium foil for 55 minutes to prevent over-browning, and remove it for the last 20 minutes for a crisp top. Rotate the pan after 30 minutes for even baking.
- Cool and store: Let the banana bread cool in the pan before slicing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to a month.
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Banana Bread
- Use extra-ripe bananas: They’re naturally sweeter and will give you a soft, moist bread with rich banana flavor.
- Use frozen bananas: Freezing bananas (even if they aren't super ripe), and defrosting them is a great way to use super soft bananas for this recipe.
- Use the air fryer to brown the bananas: If you're bananas are not super ripe, you can ripen them by add the whole banana (before peeling) for 1 minute to the airfyer. this will speed up the browning process, creating perfect brown bananas for banana bread.
- Avoid over-mixing: Stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are combined; this keeps the bread light and fluffy.
- Add foil for even browning: Covering the bread with foil partway through baking prevents burning on top. This is crucial for older ovens (like mine!).
- Allow it to cool: For best results, let the bread cool fully before slicing. This stops it from crumbling or falling apart.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Bread
Yes! Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water) to make it vegan-friendly.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to a month. When ready to eat, simply warm a slice in the toaster or microwave (or enjoy cold).
I personally haven't tried this recipe with gluten free flour but I would suggest that it can be substituted. The texture may be slightly different though.
Yes. I have made this banana bread without adding the coconut oil and the result is still good. It is slightly drier though and there is no doubt that this recipe is much more moist with the added oil.
Yes. Olive oil works well in this recipe and the flavour is complimentary, similar to coconut oil.
Variations
- Add-ins: Incorporate chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
- Nut-free option: Skip the nuts or use seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, if you prefer a nut-free version.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making This Recipe
- Using unripe bananas: This will result in less sweetness and a less moist texture. Go for bananas with plenty of brown spots. Refer to tips and trips earlier in this blog post for tips on how to ripen your bananas.
- Over-mixing the batter: Too much mixing activates gluten, making the bread dense and tough.
- Skipping the foil covering: To avoid burning, especially at the edges, cover the bread with foil halfway through baking and remove for a crispy top at the end.
Let's Make Sugar Free Banana Bread!
This recipe covers everything to ensure you achieve perfectly moist, naturally sweet banana bread every time! Enjoy baking!
For more easy and healthy recipes like this one you can follow me on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Enjoy!
Sugar Free Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 1⅓ cup all purpose flour
- 7 small bananas (500 grams)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup nuts I like to use pecans or walnuts
- 3 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the bananas: Peel and mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be, allowing for a delicious, sugar-free loaf.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the egg and melted coconut oil to the mashed bananas and stir well to combine.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined – avoid over-mixing.
- Fold in the nuts: Add in the nuts and gently fold into the batter.
- Prepare to bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a loaf pan with baking paper and spray with cooking oil. Pour the batter into the pan and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Cover with aluminium foil for 55 minutes to prevent over-browning, and remove it for the last 20 minutes for a crisp top. Rotate the pan after 30 minutes for even baking.
- Cool and store: Let the banana bread cool in the pan before slicing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to a month.
Priscilla Anthony says
I just tried this recipe using muffin cups instead and it turned out pretty well. I added a little bit of honey as I had lesser bananas and a table spoon of milk. Used a mix of seeds, chocolate chips and chopped walnuts and it turned out perfectly yummy 😋. Loved it so much ♥️
Georgia Papas says
Hi Priscilla, I'm so glad you loved the recipe! Your version sounds amazing and I'll have to give it a go. Thanks for sharing! ♥️