This Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is the perfect balance of moist texture and rich flavor. The Greek yogurt adds a creamy softness, making each slice incredibly light yet satisfying. It’s naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and a touch of honey, giving it a gentle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
This banana bread is incredibly versatile too! You can customize it by adding walnuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an extra flavor boost. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Plus, with the added protein and nutrients from Greek yogurt, it’s a deliciously guilt-free treat.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
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2 large eggs
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1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
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1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
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1/4 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
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Add the Greek yogurt, eggs, honey (or maple syrup), coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir to combine.
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In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until just combined.
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If desired, fold in walnuts or chocolate chips.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
The Secret to Moist Banana Bread: Greek Yogurt
The key ingredient that sets this recipe apart from traditional banana bread is the addition of Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, and it adds a depth of flavor and moisture to baked goods that’s hard to achieve with other ingredients. In banana bread, Greek yogurt works as a natural fat substitute, reducing the need for excessive butter or oil. This not only makes the bread lighter but also adds a lovely texture that’s rich and satisfying without being too heavy.
The Greek yogurt’s acidity also reacts with baking soda to help the bread rise, making it light and fluffy while maintaining a soft crumb. Unlike regular yogurt, Greek yogurt has a higher protein content, which means this bread can be a bit more filling and will keep you energized for longer periods.
Healthier Banana Bread Without Sacrificing Flavor
One of the main benefits of Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is that it offers a healthier alternative to traditional banana bread without sacrificing any of the flavor or texture. Most banana bread recipes use butter or oil to create a moist loaf, but substituting Greek yogurt helps reduce the fat content while still keeping the bread incredibly moist. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas, combined with the tanginess of the yogurt, balances the flavor perfectly.
Using whole wheat flour instead of refined flour provides an additional nutritional boost. Whole wheat flour contains more fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling fuller longer. If you’re looking to make your banana bread even healthier, you can swap the honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, though this may slightly alter the flavor.
Versatility of Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its versatility. The base recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to add different ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a more decadent treat, you can stir in chocolate chips, walnuts, or even dried fruit like cranberries or raisins. If you’re looking for a more wholesome version, try adding ground flaxseeds or chia seeds for an extra boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
This banana bread also works wonderfully for different dietary lifestyles. If you’re following a dairy-free diet, you can substitute the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt. Vegan alternatives can also be used in place of the eggs, making this recipe adaptable for a wide variety of dietary restrictions.
Baking Tips for Perfect Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
Achieving the perfect loaf of Greek Yogurt Banana Bread requires a few key steps. First, make sure your bananas are ripe. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Overripe bananas also create a softer texture in the bread. When mashing the bananas, try to leave a few small chunks for texture, as this will enhance the overall experience of eating the bread.
Another important tip is not to overmix the batter. Once you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, which is the opposite of what we’re aiming for with this recipe. The batter should be thick but still pourable.
Lastly, always check for doneness before removing the bread from the oven. Depending on your oven’s heat, you might need to adjust the baking time. A good rule of thumb is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the bread is done.
Why You Should Consider Making Banana Bread with Greek Yogurt
There are many reasons why you should give this Greek Yogurt Banana Bread a try. Not only is it a healthier alternative to traditional banana bread, but it’s also an incredibly simple recipe that yields delicious results every time. Greek yogurt adds a richness to the bread that you won’t find in other banana bread recipes, and it gives the bread a satisfying texture that’s both moist and light.
Additionally, banana bread is a fantastic way to reduce food waste. Ripe bananas often go overlooked, but when turned into banana bread, they become a delicious snack or breakfast option. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is a beginner-friendly recipe that produces impressive results.
A Perfect Pairing with Your Morning Coffee or Tea
Greek Yogurt Banana Bread isn’t just a great standalone snack—it’s also a fantastic pairing with your morning coffee or tea. The moist texture and subtle sweetness of the bread complement the bitterness of coffee, making it an ideal breakfast or mid-morning snack. Whether you enjoy it plain or toasted with a smear of almond butter, it’s the perfect way to start your day.
This banana bread also makes an excellent gift for friends or family. Wrapped in parchment paper with a cute ribbon, it’s a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift that’s sure to be appreciated by anyone who loves baked goods. It’s the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug in the form of food, making it perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because.
Conclusion: Why Greek Yogurt Banana Bread Is Worth Baking
Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is more than just a delicious treat—it’s a healthier, more versatile version of the classic banana bread that you’ll want to bake again and again. By using Greek yogurt, this recipe becomes a lighter, moister, and more protein-packed option compared to traditional banana bread. It’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins, and it’s the perfect snack, breakfast, or dessert.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or as a thoughtful gift for others, this banana bread is sure to be a hit. It’s the ultimate balance of health and indulgence, making it an irresistible option for any occasion. So the next time you have some overripe bananas lying around, don’t let them go to waste—whip up a batch of Greek Yogurt Banana Bread and enjoy the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and nutrition!