Banana Bread without Butter

If you love banana bread but hate all the fat and sugar, this recipe is for you! Discover how to make moist and flavorful Banana Bread without butter, reducing the fat content without sacrificing taste. Perfect for health-conscious foodies or anyone looking for a lighter version of this classic comfort food.

This easy-to-follow post guides you through each step, ensuring a deliciously healthy treat in no time. Get ready to bake and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This bread is an innovative approach to a classic comfort food item that transforms it into a guilt-free pleasure. It strikes a harmonious chord between health-consciousness and indulgence, dietary inclusivity, and a world of flavors. It redefines the classic, offering a moist, sweet, and adaptable treat that pleases both your taste buds and your well-being.

This No Butter Banana Bread preserves the beloved moistness of traditional banana bread by replacing butter with vegetable oil or other substitutes like applesauce, yogurt, or avocado. These substitutions infuse richness without compromising on health-conscious choices, leaving each bite perfectly tender.

Additionally, this recipe harnesses the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and brown sugar to achieve a delightful balance of sweetness without the excessive sugar often associated with dessert bread.

Dietary flexibility is another strong suit. Embracing dairy-free and vegan preferences, this banana bread recipe appeals to a broader audience.

Lastly, the recipe is highly customizable. Whether you prefer a traditional touch or wish to explore different flavor profiles, this banana bread without butter recipe can accommodate all of your culinary desires. You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to suit your palate and create endless variations.

Ingredients

Bananas:

For this banana bread without butter recipe, use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness. Overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread as they are easier to mash and have a stronger banana flavor. Mash the bananas thoroughly to create a smooth, lump-free banana puree. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this.

Vegetable Oil:

This banana bread without butter recipe uses vegetable oil instead of butter which is an excellent way to ensure your banana bread stays moist. However, if you are also avoiding oil, you can use healthier alternatives like unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, or even avocado to add moisture and a creamy texture to your banana bread.

Eggs:

If you are omitting the butter from your banana bread due to dietary restrictions, then you might also want to omit the eggs from the recipe. Common egg substitutes include flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water), applesauce, or commercial egg replacers.

Brown Sugar:

Brown sugar is used in this recipe for its high moisture content which gives you a tender and flavorful result on your banana bread. However, there are other options you can use to sweeten your banana bread, such as honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.

Flour:

While all-purpose flour is the most common choice for a traditional banana bread recipe, there are several alternatives you can choose to use based on your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whole wheat, coconut, almond, oat, and gluten-free flours will all work well in this no butter banana bread recipe

Cinnamon:

Cinnamon is the classic choice when making banana bread without butter. However, there are many other spices you can use to elevate your banana bread, such as ginger, allspice, cardamom, and even clove.

Walnuts:

The walnuts in this healthy banana bread are completely optional and can be omitted if you don't like walnuts. You can also opt for another mix-in, like pecans, chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries if you're feeling creative.

How to Make Banana Bread Without Butter

Step One: 

Combine oil and brown sugar in a bowl and beat on low speed to incorporate.

Step Two: 

Add eggs and continue to beat until combined. Set aside.

Step Three: 

Mash your bananas in a bowl and add to the egg mixture.

Step Four:

Add flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder, vanilla, and walnuts. Stir to combine.

Step Five: 

Pour your batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 65-70 minutes at 325F.

Step Six: 

Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips

• Mix the ingredients just until they are combined. Overmixing can produce a denser texture, so be gentle when folding in your dry ingredients.
• To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the banana bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's ready.
• Let your banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming too moist due to trapped steam.

What to Serve With Banana Bread

When serving this healthy banana bread, there are numerous delightful options to complement this moist and flavorful treat. A classic choice is a piping hot cup of tea or a latte to harmonize with the bread's natural sweetness. A bit of fresh strawberry or blueberry jam can add a refreshing contrast to the banana's richness. If you're feeling indulgent, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey can elevate the experience.

FAQs

What's the role of butter in traditional banana bread, and why might I want to avoid it?

Butter in traditional banana bread adds flavor, moisture, and a rich, tender crumb. Some may want to avoid it for dietary or health reasons, like wanting to reduce saturated fat intake or to accommodate dairy-free and vegan preferences.

How can I get a more pronounced caramelized crust on banana bread?

To achieve a caramelized crust on your banana bread, try brushing the top with honey or maple syrup before baking. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar on top, which will melt and caramelize during baking. This will add a delightful crunch and sweetness to the crust.

How long can leftover banana bread without butter be kept fresh?

Leftove bread  can stay fresh for about 2-4 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. If you want to extend its freshness, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for 2-3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent moisture loss.

More Bread Recipes

If you are looking to cut down on your grocery bills, making your own bread is an easy and inexpensive way to make a big impact on your wallet. Check out this collection of delicious bread recipes for you to try.

Instant Pot Banana Bread

Garlic Bread

Poppy Seed Bread

Banana Oatmeal Muffins