This easy and healthy low sugar banana bread is filled with good for you ingredients so you can enjoy a slice guilt-free. The perfect treat for those who are trying to avoid refined sugar. Simple to prepare and perfectly moist, this will be your favourite banana bread recipe.

I can't remember the last time I had a cafe-style slice of banana bread. Whilst I love sugar-filled baked treats, banana bread is the one thing I find that tastes better pared back on the sugar front. I prefer my healthier version any day.
This loaf is completely refined sugar-free, with just a little rice malt / brown rice syrup added to the batter.
This low sugar banana bread is the very best way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on the bench at the end of the week. It's a great size for sharing if you have company coming over and it freezes beautifully, which means you can portion slices out for lunchboxes.
I love a slice lightly toasted under the grill with lashings of butter spread on top. I've also been known to have a slice with some strawberry jam, which my husband tells me is most odd. I wonder if there's anyone else out there who has tried this?
How do you like to enjoy your banana bread? Let me know in the comments below!
INGREDIENTS
Here's what you need to make this Healthy Banana Bread...
- Very Ripe Bananas: The darker and uglier, the better.
- Olive Oil: Choose a very mild flavoured olive oil here or you can use coconut oil instead.
- Rice Malt Syrup / Brown Rice Syrup: Or you can use honey or maple syrup instead.
- Rolled Oats: Standard traditional rolled oats work best. Steel cut or quick oats are not suitable for this recipe.
- Milk: Choose whichever milk you prefer. I've made this with cows milk, almond milk and soy milk and all worked well.
- Wholemeal Flour: Can sub for white all purpose flour.
- Eggs
- Baking Powder, Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract and Salt.
Optional Topping - If you have an extra banana lying around, slice it in halve and push into the mixture prior to baking. It caramelises in the oven and adds lovely flavour to the bread.
What can you add to banana bread?
Banana bread is great on its own, but it also lends itself well to additions. Try adding ½ a cup of one of the following into the batter before baking for a different variation!
- Chopped Walnuts
- Chocolate Chips
- Shredded Coconut
- Nutella
- Nut Butter
INSTRUCTIONS
First, pre-heat oven to 160C and line loaf pan with baking paper.
In a bowl combine rice malt syrup and olive oil and stir to combine (photo 1). Add in milk, eggs and bananas and combine (photo 2). Add remaining ingredients (except for 1 teaspoon of cinnamon) and mix until just combined (photo 3).
Pour mixture into a loaf pan and dust reserved teaspoon of cinnamon on top (photo 4).
Place in oven for 60 minutes or until cooked through. I start checking if it's done around the 50-minute mark. You want the loaf to be lightly browned and a skewer to come out clean.
Cool in tin for 5 minutes then remove and cool on a rack for another 10-15 minutes. Slice, serve and enjoy.
WHY IS MY BANANA BREAD DENSE?
A common problem people experience when making banana bread in general is that it turns out too dense. Be sure to heed to the "mix until just combined" step in the instructions once you add the flour and you shouldn't have this problem.
An over-mixed batter will result in dense, rubbery banana bread, so go easy and stir until just combined.
STORING YOUR BANANA BREAD
Once cooled, store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container on the counter for a few days OR individually wrap slices in cling film and pop in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
The banana bread freezes really well and the individual slices are perfect for popping into lunchboxes or for when you need a late night sweet fix.
MORE SCRUMPTIOUS SNACK RECIPES:
- Healthy Pumpkin Scones
- Spinach and Ricotta Rolls
- Healthy Date Loaf
- Banana Coconut Muffins
- Spinach and Feta Pinwheels
- Strawberry Banana Popsicles
- OR see all Snack Recipes
If you’ve tried this Low Sugar Banana Bread I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it! Pop a comment and a star rating below!
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📋 RECIPE
Low Sugar Banana Bread
RECIPE VIDEO ABOVE. This low sugar banana bread is filled with good for you ingredients so you can enjoy a slice guilt-free. The perfect treat when you want something sweet without all the added sugar.
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- ⅓ cup olive oil, I used a very mild flavour oil
- 3 tbsp. rice malt syrup
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups wholemeal flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
- Rolled Oats, lightly dust on top of bread
- Banana, slice in halve & push into mixture before baking
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 160C and line a loaf pan with baking paper.
- In a bowl combine rice malt syrup and olive oil and stir to combine.
- Add in milk, eggs and bananas and combine.
- Add remaining ingredients (except for 1 teaspoon of cinnamon) and mix until just combined. Don't overmix here.
- Pour mixture into a loaf pan and dust reserved teaspoon of cinnamon on top.
- Place in oven for 60 minutes. I would start checking around the 50-minute mark, as every oven is different! You want the loaf to be lightly browned and a skewer to come out clean.
- Cool in tin for 5 minutes then remove and cool on a rack for another 10-15 minutes.
- Slice, serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Inspiration: Adapted from Naturally Nutritious.
- Oil: Use a mild flavoured olive oil or you can use coconut oil instead.
- Liquid Sweetener: You can use honey or maple syrup instead.
- Flour: You can use white all purpose flour instead.
- Optional Topping: Rolled oats & sliced banana make great decoration for banana bread, but are entirely optional. Lightly dust some rolled oats over the mixture before baking. If you have an extra banana lying around, slice it in half and push it into the mixture prior to baking.
- Storing: Store in an airtight container for a few days at room temperature OR wrap individual slices in cling wrap and pop in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Updates: First Published September 7, 2017. Last updated February 26, 2019. No changes to the recipe, just updated photos and tips.
- Nutrition: Nutrition information is a rough estimate based on 1 slice.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10Amount Per Serving: Calories: 194Saturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 20mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 3gSugar: 7gProtein: 3g
Rachel says
I made this on for my toddler and he loved it!! It froze really well and is perfect for a healthy snack when we are out and about.
Cassie says
It's my favourite too! I make it pretty much anytime I have overripe bananas haha!
Aria says
Wow! This banana bread looks Awesome!!! Very healthy and easy thanks for sharing.
Cassie says
Thanks Aria 🙂
Tammy says
I am such a lover of great banana bread and a healthy version is even better. I am pinning to make later.
Cassie says
Enjoy!
Blair villanueva says
Banana bread is my favorite! Luckily our neighbour baker have this in his bread selection.
Perfect pair for coffee as well.
Cassie says
I love mine with a cup of tea! 🙂
krystal says
I have actually NEVER made my own bread before. What a fun way to try it with this recipe!
Cassie says
It's so easy!
Mommy Rockin' In Style says
It looks fluffy and tasty! I love that you put a banana on top as a design. It looks great!
Cassie says
Thanks so much 🙂
Garf says
I recently baked banana bread and been eating it for almost a week with ice cream 😉
Cassie says
YUM!
Nicole says
This looks amazing! My son loves bananas, as do I, and I'm sure he would go crazy over this! I am definitely going to be trying this out! Thanks for sharing!
Cassie says
Hope you both enjoy Nicole 🙂
Renee @ The Good Hearted Woman says
Banana bread is a favorite with our family. I always like to add a handful or two of nuts in with the batter.
Cassie says
Delicious!
Marielle Altenor says
We love banana bread in this house! I usually make enough for the week so that I can pack in my son's lunch.
Cassie says
That's a great idea Marielle!
Heather says
This looks so pretty! The bread sounds wonderful and I'm sure my daughters would enjoy it because it looks different than the bread I normally make.
Cassie says
Hope they love it 🙂
Cynthia says
Ohhhh my word, that banana bread looks amazing! To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of banana bread (I always find it too moist and soggy for my liking... plus I like eating plain raw banana), but the texture of your recipe doesn't look like any typical banana bread - I feel like I would definitely want to try it out!
Cassie says
It's worth a try 🙂 I also love eating just plain old banana too!! Much healthier 😛
Tina Gleisner says
For years I've been able to skip dessert but now I'm buying cookies ... so your recipe would mean eating healthier, so I pinned it & thanks
Cassie says
Enjoy Tina 🙂
Aneta says
This sounds so delicious and I can't believe I have never seen it made with whole banana's on top before. I don't know if I could even eat it...I could but so impressed right now
Cassie says
Thanks Aneta 🙂 presentation factor is worth it!
Tami says
This girl is trying to choose healthier foods. It's so hard. This banana bread will make it so much easier! Yu
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy Tami!
Chel says
Admittedly, I'd add some carob or chocolate chips to this, but otherwise, it sounds delish!
Cassie says
chocolate chips are always welcome haha
Rachel says
Huge fans of banana bread. I like the banana slices on top. It adds such interesting texture.
Cassie says
It sure was yummy!
Natalie says
I don't eat many sweets but banana bread is definitely one of those desserts that are hard to resist. I love how you added banana sliced on top!
Cassie says
Thanks Natalie! Banana Bread is always hard to resist in my eyes!
Tiffany says
I love bananas and they are so healthy for you. They are a great source of potassium! I am always looking for healthier options and this looks so good. I like how you finished the bread with the bananas on top!
Cassie says
Thanks Tiffany 🙂 It's a cute decoration for sure
Kelly Hutchinson says
This looks amazing! I have never had a healthy version like this. And I love that you placed the fresh bananas on top.
Cassie says
Thanks Kelly! It's definitely worth a try!
reesa says
This looks so delicious! I love the banana slices on top like that! I want to give this a try, we have some bananas ready right now.
Cassie says
Yum! Let me know how you go!
betzy cuellar says
This with a cup of coffee right about now, sounds delicious.
Cassie says
YUM! Perfect for afternoon tea
rich bivins says
Banana bread is my favorite and this looks similar to the recipe I use except for the oats. I'll give it a try.
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy!
Claudia Krusch says
This banana bread is sure to be a big hit in my house. I will have to get the ingredients I need to make some this weekend.
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy Claudia!
Dennis Littley says
I love banana bread! You just inspired me to get in the kitchen and make some!
Cassie says
I love the smell of baking banana bread that fills the house!
Jessica Joachim says
I love banana bread, and my daughter does too! It is so nice to have something to do with bananas as they age so I don't have to waste them!
Cassie says
So true Jessica!
AnnMarie John says
Banana bread is such a hit at home, the kids love it. I think it's really nice to have a healthier version of the recipe. Thanks for this! I can't wait to give it a try, especially now that I'm trying to get back in shape.
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy as much as we do AnnMarie!
Karen Morse says
It's definitely better to make your favorite recipes at home rather than get the ready made ones that are filled with too much sugar. This looks so good, I love the 2 banana slices on top as well. Thanks for sharing what ingredients we can use as an alternative!
Cassie says
Thanks Karen! I love trying to create healthier versions!
Cindy Ingalls says
You're so right that bakery banana bread isn't healthy. Thanks for the recipe!
Cassie says
It's crazy isn't it!
Kristina says
This looks delicious! Never seen banana bread with the bananas on top and I'd like to try this! Love banana bread with walnuts!
Cassie says
Walnuts make a nice add in for sure!
Jeanine says
Definitely a unique twist on banana bread! It looks delicious and I am a big fan of banana bread!
Cassie says
Same!!
Melissa Chapman says
I love banana bread so i really want to try this recipe. I want a great vegetarian option for dessert or snack and this seems perfect.
Cassie says
For sure Melissa! Hope you enjoy!
Lori Geurin says
I'm always looking for healthy recipes my family will enjoy. I love banana bread. Thanks for sharing this healthy recipe!
Cassie says
Thanks Lori 🙂
robin rue says
Banana bread is one of my favorite breakfasts! I love it when it's warm right out of the oven. Yummers.
Cassie says
It's gotta be warm right out of the oven for sure!