Light and Low-Calorie Banana Bread

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Light and Low-Calorie Banana Bread

This is my favorite banana bread recipe, one that I’ve cherished for years.
This low-calorie banana bread is a delicious and guilt-free treat. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
This bread comes to mind first when I have leftover spotty bananas on the counter, and it’s the bread that’s on constant rotation in my freezer stash.

About Time

  • Yields: 6 servings
  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 35-45 minutes
  • Total time: 50-60 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 60g All-Bran Original cereal, crushed
  • 4 tablespoons sweetener (granulated)
  • 60ml apple juice
  • 60g self-raising flour
  • 5-6 drops vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • Fat-free natural yogurt or fromage frais, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (350°F) fan forced. Line a small loaf pan with non-stick baking paper.
  2. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Add the crushed All-Bran, sweetener, and apple juice. Stir until well combined.
  3. Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, baking powder, ground allspice, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing and peeling off the baking paper. Slice into 6 equal pieces and serve warm with a dollop of fat-free natural yogurt or fromage frais.

Tips:

  • For a sweeter bread, use ripe bananas with brown spots.
  • Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • You can also toast the bread for a delicious snack.

In-Air Fryer Light and Low-Calorie Banana Bread

Note: While air fryers can mimic baking, they might not be ideal for loaf pans. For this recipe, we’ll adapt it to air fryer-friendly portions like muffins or breadsticks.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 60g All-Bran Original cereal, crushed
  • 4 tablespoons sweetener (granulated)
  • 60ml apple juice
  • 60g self-raising flour
  • 5-6 drops vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • Fat-free natural yogurt or fromage frais, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Add the crushed All-Bran, sweetener, and apple juice. Stir until well combined.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, baking powder, ground allspice, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Portion and Cook:

  1. Muffins: Divide the batter evenly among greased muffin cups. Cook for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Breadsticks: Pipe or spoon the batter onto a lined air fryer tray. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
  3. Serve: Let the muffins or breadsticks cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a dollop of fat-free natural yogurt or fromage frais.

Tips for Air Fryer Success:

Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
Monitor Closely: Keep an eye on your muffins or breadsticks as cooking times can vary.
Experiment with Sprays: A light spray of non-stick cooking spray can help prevent sticking.
By adapting this recipe for the air fryer, you can still enjoy a delicious and healthy treat, even without a traditional oven.