How to Quickly Make Banana Bread Without Butter

There’s something irresistibly comforting about banana bread. That sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen, the moist crumb, and the rich banana flavor—it’s a treat that never fails to satisfy. But what if you’re out of butter or simply looking for a lighter alternative? Enter this delicious banana bread recipe without butter.

This butter-free banana bread is a lifesaver for those seeking a healthier option without compromising on taste. Whether you’re whipping it up for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or dessert, this recipe checks all the boxes. Its flavor is perfectly balanced with natural sweetness from overripe bananas and a moist, tender crumb thanks to the clever use of oil and yogurt.

Why will you love this recipe? It’s incredibly versatile, easy to make, and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s the perfect way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s make some magic!

Why This Recipe Works

1. Moisture Without Butter:
   Butter is often used in banana bread for richness and moisture, but this recipe replaces it with neutral oil and yogurt, which deliver the same luscious texture without the heaviness.
2. Naturally Sweetened:
   The overripe bananas are the stars here. Their natural sweetness means you can use less sugar than traditional recipes, making this a healthier option.
3. Adaptable for Dietary Needs:
   This banana bread is naturally dairy-free if you use a plant-based yogurt. You can also swap regular flour for gluten-free flour to cater to gluten sensitivities.
4. Quick and Simple:
   With minimal prep and no complicated steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly. Plus, it’s all mixed in one bowl, cutting down on cleanup time.
5. Perfect for Customization:
   Whether you’re a fan of nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits, this recipe is a blank canvas. Add your favorite mix-ins for a personalized twist.
6. Freezer-Friendly:
   This banana bread stores beautifully in the freezer, making it an excellent make-ahead treat for busy weeks.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious banana bread without butter:

Dry Ingredients of Banana Bread recipe Without Butter:

1. All-purpose flour – 2 cups (250g): The base for the bread, creating a soft and tender texture.
2. Baking powder – 1 teaspoon: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
3. Baking soda – 1 teaspoon: Adds a light, airy texture and balances acidity.
4. Salt – ½ teaspoon: Enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas.
5. Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon (optional): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.

Wet Ingredients of Banana Bread recipe Without Butter:

1. Overripe bananas – 3 large: The key to flavor and natural sweetness.
2. Granulated sugar – ½ cup (100g): Keeps the bread slightly sweet without overpowering the banana flavor.
3. Eggs – 2 large: Bind the ingredients and add structure.
4. Neutral oil – ⅓ cup (80ml): Keeps the bread moist without the need for butter.
5. Plain yogurt (or plant-based yogurt) – ½ cup (120ml): Adds moisture and a subtle tang.
6. Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon: Complements the banana flavor beautifully.

Optional Add-Ins:

1. Chopped walnuts or pecans – ½ cup: Adds crunch and nuttiness.
2. Chocolate chips – ½ cup: Perfect for a sweet treat.
3. Dried fruits – ¼ cup: Adds a chewy texture and bursts of sweetness.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Use Overripe Bananas
   The key to perfect banana bread lies in the bananas themselves. Overripe bananas, with their blackened skin, are your best friend for this recipe. Their sweetness and moisture content will give your banana bread that deep, rich flavor and tender crumb. If you don’t have overripe bananas, you can ripen them in the oven by placing them on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the peel turns dark.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
   It can be tempting to mix everything together vigorously, but resist the urge! Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense, chewy loaf. Instead, stir gently and only until the ingredients are just combined. It’s perfectly fine if there are a few lumps remaining.
3. Add a Splash of Lemon or Orange Juice
   For an added flavor boost, you can mix in a teaspoon of lemon or orange juice. The citrusy acidity balances the sweetness of the bananas and gives the bread a fresh, zesty edge.
4. Test for Doneness
   Baking times can vary based on your oven and the type of loaf pan used. While 50-55 minutes is the general baking time, always perform a toothpick test around the 50-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
5. Let the Bread Cool Completely
   It’s tempting to cut into your banana bread as soon as it’s out of the oven, but patience is key. Let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures that the banana bread firms up and becomes easier to slice. If you cut it too early, the texture might be a bit too moist and fall apart.

Variants of the Recipe

Banana bread is a very adaptable recipe. Here are a few fun variations to consider:

1. Vegan Banana Bread
   If you’re following a vegan diet, simply replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg), and use a plant-based yogurt (such as almond or coconut yogurt). Make sure to also substitute the sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a completely plant-based loaf.
2. Chocolate Banana Bread
   If you’re a fan of chocolate, adding cocoa powder can turn this banana bread into a rich, decadent treat. For a chocolate twist, add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder along with the dry ingredients and fold in chocolate chips. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top for extra indulgence.
3. Nut-Free Banana Bread
   If you need to avoid nuts due to allergies, simply skip the walnuts or any other nuts in the recipe. You can replace the nuts with extra dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or even some shredded coconut for a chewy, flavorful texture.
4. Whole Wheat Banana Bread
   For a slightly heartier version, swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and makes the bread a bit more dense, but it will still be deliciously moist.
5. Spiced Banana Bread
   If you love the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, feel free to add more spices. Try adding a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, or cardamom. These warm spices complement the sweetness of the bananas perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Banana bread is a versatile treat that can be served in many different ways, making it a perfect companion for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Below are a few ideas to elevate your banana bread and tailor it to your meal.

1. Classic with Butter or Nut Butter

The simplest way to serve banana bread is with a smear of softened butter. The creamy, rich texture pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the banana bread. For an added flavor twist, try using almond butter or peanut butter for a nutty contrast that complements the bread’s texture and flavor.

2. As a Breakfast or Brunch Side

Banana bread is a perfect addition to a breakfast spread. Pair it with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas to complement the flavors. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness, while a dollop of Greek yogurt offers a creamy texture that balances the banana bread’s softness.

3. Topped with Whipped Cream or Cream Cheese

For a more indulgent treat, top your banana bread with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The fluffy texture of the cream pairs beautifully with the dense, moist bread. Alternatively, try spreading a thin layer of cream cheese on top for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the banana bread.

5. With a Hot Drink

Banana bread pairs perfectly with a hot beverage. Whether it’s a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, the comforting flavors of the bread complement the richness of your drink. For a special touch, try pairing it with a spiced chai latte or a matcha latte for an elevated experience.

Serving Idea: Serve the banana bread on a cozy morning with a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee or a latte topped with foam for a comforting and indulgent treat.

Recipe Card

Banana Bread Recipe Without Butter

Recipe by SimonCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Calories

210

kcal

A moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make banana bread without butter, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

• 3 overripe bananas, mashed

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¾ cup vegetable oil or canola oil

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup milk (any type)

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
• In a separate bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
• Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar to the mashed bananas, stirring until combined.
• Stir in the oil and milk until the batter is smooth.
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined (do not overmix).
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Store at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for a personal touch.

FAQs About Banana Break Recipe Without butter

Health Benefits of the Recipe

Banana bread without butter offers a healthier twist on the classic recipe, especially when made with healthier sugar substitutes like coconut sugar or maple syrup. Bananas themselves are a fantastic source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and they also provide a good dose of fiber, which aids digestion. Swapping butter for oil helps reduce the saturated fat content, and using plant-based milk further reduces the overall fat content.

This banana bread recipe without butter is a perfect way to enjoy a classic treat while making a few healthier substitutions. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast that’s just a bit lighter or a sweet snack that still satisfies your cravings, this recipe delivers. It’s simple to make, and you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences. The moist, tender texture, combined with the natural sweetness of the bananas, makes each bite irresistible. So, next time you have overripe bananas on hand, don’t throw them away—bake this delicious banana bread instead!

And, if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our other quick bread recipes, like our Sandwich Bread Recipe, for more delicious ideas to try. Happy baking!