NutritionBabes Banana Bread

I love banana bread!  However, a traditional recipe usually contains a significant amount of oil or butter and added sugar that all contribute major calories.  This healthier version is made with whole grain flour, Egg Beaters, and applesauce to pump up the nutrition, and using half the amount of sugar found in a typical recipe will save lots of calories.  A small amount of olive or canola oil also adds heart healthy monounsaturated fat. 

4-5 medium very ripe mashed bananas
½ cup sugar (or a little less)
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup light flavored olive oil, or canola oil
½ cup Egg Beaters
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups 100% Whole Wheat Pastry Flour or White Whole Wheat Flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Mix the first 6 wet ingredients together in a bowl.  In a separate bowl, combine the last 4 dry ingredients.  Gently stir the flour mixture into the wet mixture until nicely incorporated.  Spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and pour mix into pan.  Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out of the center dry.  Cool 10 minutes before removing from the pan.   Makes 16 slices.

Nutrition info:
1 slice: 139 calories, 4 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 1 g poly, 1 g mono, 0 g chol, 150 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 10 g sugar, 3 g protein.

Tips and Twists:

This recipe does not contain nuts, but you may add your favorite walnuts, pecans, or other nuts if you wish.  It will add to the calorie and fat content, but will also increase the protein and fiber. 

Wait until the loaf is cool and freeze individual slices in wax paper, so you can safely warm them later in the microwave.  Pack a slice in your bag as a midmorning, or afternoon snack.

Green living tip: If you have a large enough toaster oven, try baking the loaf in there.  It will use less energy than a larger range oven.

For a kid-friendly treat, bake in mini-muffin tins for approx 15-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.  Send them into school instead of cupcakes!

You can also bake them into squares by pouring the mix into a 9x9 brownie pan and baking for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool and cut into 16 squares.