Before you mourn your bruised bananas, consider the possibilities banana bread has to offer. Leaving the high-calorie, high-fat ingredients of traditional recipes behind, here are 10 alternatives suitable to your healthy lifestyle. From vegan options that sweeten up with apple bites to a recipe made for Paleo devotees, there's a loaf for everyone's overly ripe bananas. Since they're all loaded with good things like omega-3s and fiber, we encourage you to get baking and go bananas!
Gluten-Free Banana Bread
If you're avoiding gluten but crave a slice of home-baked banana bread straight from the oven, here's the perfect recipe made with oat flour [2].
Vegan and Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
This recipe is both vegan and gluten-free, and chocolate chips give this banana bread [3] a much-welcomed creative twist!
Low-Fat Oatmeal Blueberry Bread
This healthy banana bread [4] is low in fat and calls for blueberries instead of chocolate chips to boost antioxidant intake and dramatically cut calories.
Vegan Banana Apple Chunk Bread
If you're vegan or looking for a low-fat option to be your favorite banana treat, try this recipe [5]. Using apple chunks instead of walnuts cuts down on calories while maintaining the crunch factor.
Paleo Banana Bread
If you're a Paleo-diet devotee, you'll love this banana bread recipe [6] — top with unsweetened coconut flakes for extra texture.
Double Chocolate Banana Protein Muffins
These vegan chocolate banana protein muffins [7] can easily be baked in a loaf pan instead.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
You'd never guess this sweet treat [8] is both vegan and gluten free. Adapted from BabyCakes Bakery cookbook, this bread is moist, sweet, and healthy.
Omega-3 Banana Nut Bread
Not only does this banana nut bread [9] use less sugar than a traditional recipe, but it's loaded with heart-healthy omega-3s like flaxseed, walnuts, and chia seeds for a midday pick-me-up.
Banana Oatmeal Crumb Muffins With Avocado
Skip the butter and make these banana oat muffins with avocado [10]. If you're not into muffins, pour the batter into a loaf pan.
Banana Date Bread
To lighten up on sugar, this recipe [11] uses dates to add sweetness. Adding chia seeds and walnuts to the batter increases the omega-3s found in this healthy indulgence.
Coconut Banana Bread
At about 115 calories per slice, this coconut banana bread [12] is a guiltless treat. Greek yogurt is a light substitute for butter and using whole wheat flour will keep you full longer.
Lightened-Up Banana Bread
At less than 150 calories per slice, you may want to enjoy two slices of lightened-up banana bread [13]. Applesauce takes the place of sugar and oil, which helps cut down on calories and fat.
Single-Serving Vegan Banana Bread
When you can't stop at just one slice, use your microwave to make up this single serving of chocolate chip banana bread [14].
Banana and Spinach Smoothie Muffins
Why not combine a smoothie recipe with banana bread to make banana smoothie muffins [15]? If you prefer slices, bake the batter in a loaf pan.
Double Chocolate Vegan Banana Bread
You've never really seen banana bread quite like this [16], and it may be hard to go back to the classic once you do!