Easy Whole Grain & Yogurt Banana Bread

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Updated Post:

I recently updated this banana bread recipe. I originally intended to just make it a bit simpler and see if a standing mixer was really necessary. Turns out- it wasn’t. The recipe lent itself to a simple one (very large) bowl recipe that only needed a whisk. While changing this part of the process, I found that my original recipe was a bit heavy on the yogurt and low on the banana, leading to an overly fluffy and almost diluted flavor. I upped the amount of banana by adding in an additional banana, reduced the yogurt and added in just a bit more oil. I also added in more cinnamon. The result: a banana bread more reminiscent of my childhood memories- slightly dense and sweet, and lots of banana and cinnamon flavor. All with about 10 minutes of prep time and an hour in the oven.

Original Post (April 2020)

Love seeing all the amazing breads being made during this quarantine time, but looking for something super simple? This easy whole grain & yogurt banana bread is your answer. I’ve been making so many yeasted breads recently that the ease and simplicity of this recipe was a pleasant surprise. Just toss everything into a bowl, mix it, and bake it.

Plus… have you ever met anyone who didn’t like banana bread? Not only is it universally loved, but it’s perfect to have in the kitchen for a dessert, quick snack, or maybe even breakfast. On the spectrum of healthiest (a dessert I’ve only serve myself or those really looking for that) to full indulgence, this is somewhere in between.

Behind the Recipe: Easy Whole Grain & Yogurt Banana Bread

My goal with this easy whole grain & yogurt banana bread was to make it one I could serve to anyone, but has a few healthier touches, without feeling like a “healthy” banana bread. This recipe is adapted from a banana bread I spotted by Ottolenghi online.

  • Sugar Content: This recipe has about half the sugar you’d normally see in banana bread (but still enough to be quite sweet thanks to the bananas). Having served this to my husband and some friends, I can safely say it was sweet enough for a variety of people considering it a snacking bread. It’s the perfect amount of sweetness for a morning or afternoon treat. Add 1/4 cup more if you like things on the sweeter side.
  • Skyr/greek yogurt: One of my absolute favorite ingredients in almost all baked goods. Yogurt not only adds some protein, but it also keeps the bread very moist, even after the first day. I recommend using a yogurt slightly higher than nonfat, but I’ve also done it with nonfat and it’s been fine.
  • Whole wheat pastry flour: The key to using whole grains without being tough or too dense. You can also just use all-purpose flour or if you only have whole wheat flour and not whole wheat pastry, use half all purpose and half whole wheat flour. This will include whole grains while keeping it nice and light and fluffy.

Love this? You’ll also love these Healthy One Bowl Banana Chocolate Muffins.

5 from 4 votes

One Bowl Whole Grain & Yogurt Banana Bread

Adapted from Ottolenghi
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 1 hr 15 mins
Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
  • 4 very ripe medium bananas, (400-450g or so) banana + optional 1 banana for topping
  • 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, *You can also do 3/4 cup for slightly less sweet
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120g) plain 2% or higher fat skyr or greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup (100g) grapeseed or canola oil , (or other neutral oil)
  • 2 teaspoons diamond kosher salt or 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • scant 2 cups(technically 1.9 cups; 275g) whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • optional: 1/2 cup (56g) pecans or walnuts, chopped
  • optional: 1/3 cup (53g) semisweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup turbinado sugar or white sugar, for topping
  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • In a large bowl, add in banana and mash with a fork or whisk. Add in sugar, eggs, yogurt, and oil. Whisk vigorously for about a minute.
  • Add in salt, flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Whisk until completely mixed.
  • Add in pecans/walnuts and chocolate chips and just lightly stir until mixed in.
  • Pour into 9'' bread loaf pan lined with a parchment paper sling.
  • Optional: Slice a banana lengthwise. Place each half on the top, cut side up.
    Not Optional: Sprinkle generously with turbinado sugar (or white sugar).
  • Bake until a toothpick comes out clean in the middle, about 60-65 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes on a cooling rack before removing from pan. Let cool an additional bit before slicing.
5 from 4 votes
Tried this recipe?Mention @Kate_Cooks_ or tag #katecooks!

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