If you’re on the hunt for a scrumptious treat that’s both healthy and satisfying, let me introduce you to my favorite healthy no added sugar pumpkin banana bread! This delightful loaf is like a warm hug on a chilly day, packed with all the cozy flavors of fall. I love that it’s naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and creamy pumpkin, so you get that perfect moist texture without any guilt. Trust me, you won’t even miss the sugar! What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up—perfect for those busy mornings or as an afternoon snack. Plus, the smell of it baking fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma. So, let’s dive in and make some magic happen in the kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a loaf pan and grease it up nicely with some coconut oil or cooking spray. This will help our bread slide right out once it’s baked—trust me, you don’t want to be wrestling with your delicious creation later!
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, let’s get those ripe bananas mashed to perfection. I like to use a fork for this; it’s simple and gets the job done! Once they’re nice and mushy, add in the canned pumpkin, unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Now, mix everything together until it’s all combined and has a lovely, smooth consistency. The aroma is already wonderful; can you smell it?
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, we’re going to mix our dry ingredients. Combine the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This step is super important, so don’t rush it! You want those spices to be evenly sprinkled throughout the bread.
Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring our wet and dry mixtures together! Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet mixture. Gently stir everything together until just combined. Oops, don’t overmix! This will keep our bread light and fluffy. A few lumps are totally okay—remember, we’re going for that homemade feel!
Baking the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, making sure it’s evenly spread out. Now, pop that pan into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly! Once it’s baked, let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: This pumpkin banana bread is naturally sweetened, so you can enjoy a slice without the added sugar. It’s a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things healthy!
- Packed with Nutrients: With wholesome ingredients like bananas and pumpkin, you’re getting vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants in every bite. It’s a great way to fuel your body!
- Simple to Make: The straightforward steps mean you can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy mornings or a relaxing weekend bake.
- Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to the combination of bananas and pumpkin, this bread is incredibly moist and bursting with warm spices. Each bite feels like a hug!
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as breakfast, a snack, or even dessert! It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can easily make a double batch and freeze one loaf for later. Talk about a delicious emergency snack!
Tips for Success
Getting that perfect loaf of healthy no added sugar pumpkin banana bread is all about a few simple tricks! Here are my top tips to ensure you nail it every time:
- Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots—they’re the sweetest and will add the best flavor.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since we’re keeping it healthy, opt for high-quality whole wheat flour and pure vanilla extract. It makes a world of difference in taste!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread, and we want it light and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set up nicely and makes slicing easier!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Want to mix it up? Consider adding walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor. Just be mindful that these will add sugar, so adjust your expectations accordingly!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake the most delicious pumpkin banana bread! Enjoy the process and savor every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked your delicious healthy no added sugar pumpkin banana bread, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh and tasty! Here’s how to do it:
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), let the bread cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-5 days at room temperature. Just make sure it’s sealed well to keep that moisture in!
- Freezing for Later: Want to save some for a rainy day? You can freeze your pumpkin banana bread! Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just label the bag with the date, so you remember when you made it!
- Thawing & Reheating: To enjoy your frozen bread, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it might get a bit tough! For a cozy treat, try toasting it lightly and spreading a bit of nut butter or butter on top—it’s heavenly!
With these storage tips, you can enjoy your pumpkin banana bread fresh and delicious, whenever the craving strikes! Happy baking and savoring!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this healthy no added sugar pumpkin banana bread! Here’s what you can expect per slice (and remember, these values are estimates):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
This bread not only tastes delicious but also brings along a nice balance of nutrients. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet treat while keeping your health goals in check. Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself right with every slice!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you want to make this healthy no added sugar pumpkin banana bread vegan, you can use flax eggs. To make one flax egg, simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, then add it to your wet ingredients!
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
If you don’t have coconut oil on hand, you can use melted butter or even unsweetened applesauce as a substitute. Just keep in mind that using butter will change the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Great question! You’ll know your healthy pumpkin banana bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. It should also spring back slightly when touched. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Of course! Feel free to mix in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dark chocolate chips for a little extra texture and flavor. Just remember that adding these could increase the sugar content, so adjust your expectations accordingly!
How should I store this bread for maximum freshness?
To keep your healthy no added sugar pumpkin banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, go ahead and freeze it—just remember to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn!
Healthy No Added Sugar Pumpkin Banana Bread You’ll Love
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A healthy pumpkin banana bread with no added sugar.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mash the bananas.
- Add pumpkin, applesauce, coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This bread can be frozen for later use.
- Serve warm for best taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: healthy, no added sugar, pumpkin, banana, bread
