This Low Fat Banana Bread is soft, moist, and full of sweet banana flavor with less butter and sugar than traditional versions. It's a lighter take on a comfort classic that still tastes indulgent.
I started making this recipe years ago when I wanted a banana bread that felt wholesome enough for breakfast for special enough for a treat. The yogurt adds moisture without extra oil, making it one of my favorite guilt-free quick breads to bake on a Sunday morning.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Moist texture: Yogurt keeps the crumb tender and soft without adding extra fat.
Naturally sweet: Ripe bananas and just the right amount of sugar bring a warm, balanced sweetness.
Healthier choice: A great way to enjoy banana bread flavor with fewer calories and less fat.
Key Ingredients for Yogurt Banana Bread
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Ripe bananas: The riper the better. They're the natural sweetener that gives rich flavor and texture.
- Plain low-fat yogurt: adds creaminess and tang while cutting down on butter.
- Butter: just a touch helps create that classic banana bread flavor.
- All-purpose flour: keeps the loaf soft and tender.
- Vanilla extract: adds warmth and enhances the banana aroma.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt for extra protein and a slightly denser texture.
- Coconut sugar in place of white sugar for a deeper caramel-like sweetness.
- Whole wheat pastry flour for a heartier, fiber-rich loaf.
Variations on Low Fat Banana Bread
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence.
- Nutty Banana Bread: add chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch.
- Blueberry Banana Bread: fold in ¾ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.
Tips for the Best Yogurt Banana Bread
- Use overripe bananas: the more speckled, the sweeter and softer your bread will be.
- Don't overmix: gently combine the wet and dry ingredients to keep the crumb light.
- Cool completely: let the loaf rest before slicing. It continues to set as it cools.
How to Store
Store leftover Low Fat Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Serve With...
Serve a slice of banana bread with a hot mug of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat. It's also delicious topped with a spread of Salted Maple Butter or Whipped Cinnamon Honey Butter. For a heartier breakfast, pair it with a side of Air Fryer Bacon or Venison Breakfast Sausage.
More Easy Quick Bread Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoy this Low Fat Banana Bread, you might like my Cherry Banana Bread, Chocolate Pistachio Bread, Spiced Pumpkin Bread, and Chocolate Banana Marble Bread.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Low Fat Banana Bread
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Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 medium bananas , mashed
- ⅓ cup plain low-fat yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Coat loaf pan with cooking spray, set aside.
- Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife.
Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk. - Place sugar and butter in a large bowl, and beat with a mixer at
medium speed until well blended (about 1 minute). - Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add banana, yogurt, and vanilla.Beat until blended.
- Add flour mixture, beat at low speed just until
moist. - Spoon batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire
rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
One of the best quick bread recipes! I have made this particular recipe for many years now and is my family go to. Super easy to make and turns out perfect every time.
HoneyB says
Yay Lizzie! Hope it tasted as good as it smelled baking! 😉
Lizzie says
This is baking in my oven right now and it smells delicious!! I can't wait to eat a piece. Or two:-)
Kevin says
Banana breads are so goo. I like to have a slice for breakfast.
Ingrid says
Yesm, I know what you mean. I love when the kids and their friends remind me of something that I made that they really enjoyed and would like again, hint, hint! 🙂
I need to try banana bread again. The two times I tried making one they did not turn out. Both were undercooked and overbrowned. 🙁 Yours looks perfect and the addition of walnuts is nice!
~ingrid
Dimah says
Looks so moist and delicious!
Debbie says
I just had a bunch of bananas too!
Thanks for your comments on the babies. They are doing well.
pigpigscorner says
It looks so moist!
noble pig says
I know, I hate it when someone says I'll take whatever! I want specifics. Glad you could oblige and it looks terrific!
Dawn says
I know what you mean. My hubby who is the fussiest ever when it comes to food, when he asks for something I've made in the past I'm thrilled to bits.
So, I hear ya! I have banana bread on the list today as my bananas are black, scary black.
Steph says
Recipe requests are the best! I love banana bread.
natalia says
Ciao ! You are going to become a banana treats specialist !! This is so beautiful !
Bunny says
I bet the yourt makes this nice and moist Shelby! I looks fantastic, I bet Grumpy was very happy with it!
Patsyk says
What a perfect loaf of banana bread! I know exactly what you mean about something being requested!
Reeni♥ says
This looks moist and delicious! A yummy treat!
Katy says
Banana bread ~ it's a good thing!!
Creative One says
Delicious looking banana bread. I love when I have a request to make something.
Jennifer says
banana bread is one of my favs!! I love this lightened version 🙂
Fit Chick says
Yummy looking banana bread!!! One of my favorite breads. Hope you are feeling better.
Tangled Noodle says
This looks wonderful - so golden sweet on the outside and moist and scrumptious on the inside! The CL 5 Star Recipes cookbook is one of my favorites.
Donna-FFW says
I love baking with bananas. This looks terrific!
Pam says
I'll be trying this recipe soon - I have some very ripe bananas to use up.
Christine aka Mistress of Cakes says
I just wanted to let you know there is a website that is stealing your content. Here is the link: http://www.easydeliciousrecipes.com/general/grumpys-gone-bananas/#top
Spryte says
I LOVE banana bread! That looks so good!!
stephchows says
Man banana bread is totally one of those things I could happily eat every day 🙂
Barbara Bakes says
Such a moist and yummy looking banana bread. I'm sure he loved it!
Cristine says
I totally agree... I love when people ask me to make something for them! The banana bread looks great and I'm sure it made Grumpy happy!
Bellini Valli says
I love the idea of using yogurt as the base for this classic HoneyB.
Meg says
Looks fantastic....seems as if there are a lot of banana treats in food blog land these days.