Facebook
Twitter
RSS

Banana bread: calories and nutrition

Here’s a general overview of the calories and basic nutrition of a typical slice of banana bread:

Calories: The calorie content of banana bread can vary based on the recipe, serving size, and any additional ingredients used. On average, a single slice of banana bread (about 1/12th of a standard loaf) can have around 180 to 250 calories.

Basic Nutrition: Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. Here’s a general breakdown of the basic nutritional components in a slice of banana bread:

  • Carbohydrates: Banana bread is primarily made from flour and bananas, both of which are sources of carbohydrates. A slice of banana bread may contain around 30 to 40 grams of carbohydrates.
  • Sugar: Ripe bananas are naturally sweet, and added sugars in the recipe contribute to the overall sugar content. A slice of banana bread might contain 10 to 15 grams of sugar or more, depending on the recipe.
  • Protein: Banana bread usually contains a modest amount of protein from the flour and any nuts or seeds that are added. A slice might have around 2 to 4 grams of protein.
  • Fat: The fat content in banana bread comes from ingredients like butter or oil, as well as any nuts or seeds used. A slice might contain around 6 to 10 grams of fat.
  • Fiber: Depending on the type of flour used and any additional fiber-rich ingredients like oats or whole wheat flour, a slice might provide around 1 to 2 grams of dietary fiber.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Ripe bananas used in the bread contribute vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. However, the exact content can vary based on the size of the bananas and the recipe.

It’s important to note that the nutritional profile of banana bread can be influenced by variations in ingredients, serving sizes, and the specific recipe you follow. If you’re looking for a more precise breakdown of nutrition for a particular recipe, using a nutrition calculator or app can help you get accurate information.

Recipe for banana bread

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for banana bread:

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mash the Bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. Some small chunks are okay for added texture.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas until well combined.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the banana mixture, then gently mix in the flour until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. If you’re using nuts and cinnamon, fold them in at this stage.
  5. Fill the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
  6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it after the 50-minute mark, as baking times can vary.
  7. Cool: Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Slice and Serve: Once the banana bread has cooled, slice it into pieces and serve. It’s delicious on its own, or you can spread some butter or cream cheese on each slice for extra flavor.
  9. Storage: Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

Enjoy your homemade banana bread!

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or other flavorings that you enjoy.

Banana bread

General overview of the calories and basic nutrition of a typical slice of banana bread

Calories: The calorie content of banana bread can vary based on the recipe, serving size, and any additional ingredients used. On average, a single slice of banana bread (about 1/12th of a standard loaf) can have around 180 to 250 calories.

Basic Nutrition: Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. Here’s a general breakdown of the basic nutritional components in a slice of banana bread:

  • Carbohydrates: Banana bread is primarily made from flour and bananas, both of which are sources of carbohydrates. A slice of banana bread may contain around 30 to 40 grams of carbohydrates.
  • Sugar: Ripe bananas are naturally sweet, and added sugars in the recipe contribute to the overall sugar content. A slice of banana bread might contain 10 to 15 grams of sugar or more, depending on the recipe.
  • Protein: Banana bread usually contains a modest amount of protein from the flour and any nuts or seeds that are added. A slice might have around 2 to 4 grams of protein.
  • Fat: The fat content in banana bread comes from ingredients like butter or oil, as well as any nuts or seeds used. A slice might contain around 6 to 10 grams of fat.
  • Fiber: Depending on the type of flour used and any additional fiber-rich ingredients like oats or whole wheat flour, a slice might provide around 1 to 2 grams of dietary fiber.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Ripe bananas used in the bread contribute vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. However, the exact content can vary based on the size of the bananas and the recipe.

It’s important to note that the nutritional profile of banana bread can be influenced by variations in ingredients, serving sizes, and the specific recipe you follow. If you’re looking for a more precise breakdown of nutrition for a particular recipe, using a nutrition calculator or app can help you get accurate information.


While banana bread is certainly delicious, it’s not typically considered a health food due to its higher sugar and calorie content. However, you can make certain modifications to the recipe to make it slightly healthier:

  1. Reduce Sugar: You can try using less sugar than the recipe calls for. Ripe bananas are naturally sweet, so you might find that you can get away with using less sugar without sacrificing flavor.
  2. Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Whole wheat flour contains more fiber and nutrients than refined white flour.
  3. Add Nutritional Boosters: Consider adding ingredients like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or oats to the batter for added fiber and nutrients.
  4. Use Healthier Fats: Instead of using a full stick of butter, you could replace part of it with a healthier fat source like mashed avocado or unsweetened applesauce.
  5. Cut Back on Nuts and Mix-ins: While nuts and chocolate chips can add great texture and flavor, they also add calories. If you’re looking to reduce calorie content, you might want to use them sparingly.
  6. Portion Control: Enjoying banana bread in moderation is key. Cutting smaller slices and savoring them mindfully can help prevent overindulgence.

Remember, even with healthier modifications, banana bread is still a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you’re looking for a truly healthy snack, whole fruits like bananas are a fantastic option on their own.

How to mitigate banana bread calories

Certainly, here’s a general overview of the calories and basic nutrition of a typical slice of banana bread:

Calories: The calorie content of banana bread can vary based on the recipe, serving size, and any additional ingredients used. On average, a single slice of banana bread (about 1/12th of a standard loaf) can have around 180 to 250 calories.

Basic Nutrition: Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. Here’s a general breakdown of the basic nutritional components in a slice of banana bread:

  • Carbohydrates: Banana bread is primarily made from flour and bananas, both of which are sources of carbohydrates. A slice of banana bread may contain around 30 to 40 grams of carbohydrates.
  • Sugar: Ripe bananas are naturally sweet, and added sugars in the recipe contribute to the overall sugar content. A slice of banana bread might contain 10 to 15 grams of sugar or more, depending on the recipe.
  • Protein: Banana bread usually contains a modest amount of protein from the flour and any nuts or seeds that are added. A slice might have around 2 to 4 grams of protein.
  • Fat: The fat content in banana bread comes from ingredients like butter or oil, as well as any nuts or seeds used. A slice might contain around 6 to 10 grams of fat.
  • Fiber: Depending on the type of flour used and any additional fiber-rich ingredients like oats or whole wheat flour, a slice might provide around 1 to 2 grams of dietary fiber.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Ripe bananas used in the bread contribute vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. However, the exact content can vary based on the size of the bananas and the recipe.

It’s important to note that the nutritional profile of banana bread can be influenced by variations in ingredients, serving sizes, and the specific recipe you follow. If you’re looking for a more precise breakdown of nutrition for a particular recipe, using a nutrition calculator or app can help you get accurate information.