This banana bread is indeed free from any refined sugar, and flour. It contains natural sugars from the banana and dates. This quick and easy banana loaf is made with wholesome ingredients only, is naturally sweetened with dates powder and banana, is free of artificial sugars and is dairy-free. This is the most natural, healthy breakfast packed with great nutrition.
I always enjoy a good healthy and wholesome breakfast whether it is savory or sweet, any breakfast like a good old English Breakfast, Quail Eggs With Spinach, Egg And Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Breakfast, Banana, Pecan And Coconut Loaf, or these cookies that use barley flakes Pecan Cookies With Rye And Barley Flakes, Carrot and Butternut Squash Pancakes, Banana, Ginger And Walnut Cake , Bacon and Eggs Dutch Baby Pancake all make a great wholesome start to any day.
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Traditionally, banana bread can contain high amounts of sugar and butter. So I've created my own healthy version without using any added sugars or butter, yet has a beautiful flavor and a nice chewy texture that will make you crave more but remain guilt-free.
🥘Ingredients
This no-sugar banana bread recipe only needs a few real food ingredients that most people will have in their pantry, so, here is what you need:
- barley flakes ( I used organic ones)
- banana (organic and very well-ripen)
- sunflower and pumpkin seeds
- chia seeds
- almond flakes ( ideally blanched)
- flax
- eggs
- desiccated coconut
- walnuts
- cinnamon
- dark chocolate chips
- dates powder - found mainly in Whole Foods stores.
- salt - I always use Celtic or kosher salt
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities.
🔪 How to make sugar-free banana bread
Here are the step-by-step instructions showing you exactly how to make this healthy banana loaf which your family will love.
Step 1. Mash the bananas.
Step 2. Add the eggs.
Step 3. Beat the eggs with the bananas until homogenized.
Step 4. Add the remaining ingredients to the egg and banana mixture.
Step 5. Mix all the ingredients.
Step 6. Toast the chopped walnuts.
Step 7. Add the toasted walnuts and the barley flakes.
Step 8. Combine all the ingredients and this will be the banana loaf batter.
Step 9. Grease the tins or ramekins or both just like I did. I used olive oil.
Step 10. Fill in the tin and ramekins with the batter and top with banana slices.
Hint: only use ripe bananas to get the best out of this sugarless banana bread and get all the natural sweetness from the fruits.
💞Substitutions
- barley flakes - Instead of barley flakes, you can use organic certified gluten-free rolled oats or quinoa flakes for a similar texture and nutritional value.
- dates sugar or powder - can be replaced with another natural sweetener such as maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar. These options provide sweetness without refined sugars and are suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets.
- vegan - ditch the eggs and add two more tablespoons of flax and chia seeds and 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- gluten-free - you may use gluten-free rolled oats, quinoa, or millet flakes.
🤹🏻Variations
What mix-ins can you add to banana bread?
- Anything that you wish really. Just be aware that the more you add, the more calories the bread will have. Some quite popular add-ins are crunched pecans or nuts, chocolate chips, blueberries, and even raisins.
See this banana bread with flour version - you will love this too!
🍽Serving suggestions
This sugar-free banana bread has always been one of my favorite treats to eat for breakfast, a slice as a snack, or ... the best part.... to enjoy a slice as afternoon tea.
You can toast it and add a scoop of your favorite ice cream (walnut or coffee ice cream are my top favorite ones) or my top way have it with a glass of kefir. Amazing!
📦Storage
Refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 7 days and serve as you wish. If you decide to freeze it, it can last for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours, then reheat slices in the microwave, toaster, or oven for the best warm treat whenever you wish to serve.
📌Top tip
If you want it a little fluffier but want to hold on to the healthy aspect of this banana loaf, simply place the barley flakes in a blender and transform those into flour. I would then add some baking powder too.
❓Recipe FAQs
The main difference between banana bread and banana cake lies in the texture and sweetness.
Banana bread typically has a denser, more substantial texture, with a moist crumb and it is often less sweet, allowing the natural sweetness of the bananas to shine through.
Banana cake is lighter and fluffier, resembling a traditional cake. It's quite a bit sweeter, with added sugar and sometimes frosting or glaze to make it more of a dessert. Both feature ripe bananas as a key ingredient but their different textures and sweetness levels are distinct to preferences and occasions.
Yes, you can freeze banana bread. Before doing so please ensure the bread is completely cool. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and place the wrapped loaf in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container to further protect it from freezer odors too.
I always use an organic date powder. Date powder is dried and then ground dates. This is a natural alternative to refined sugars. It's rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals like potassium and magnesium and has a low glycemic index that helps stabilize blood sugar levels, making it more suitable for diabetics. Additionally, adding a caramel-like sweetness to dishes is much more delicious without the need for added sugars or artificial sweeteners. It's so versatile too, blending well in smoothies, baked goods, and desserts, enhancing flavor while providing nutritional benefits at the same time. Overall, it's a healthier sweetener choice.
Even though this is a healthier version of banana bread, it will still be higher in calories than some may like. I treat recipes like this because if you want a healthier treat that contains better nutrients, is wholesome and you know everything that's in, this is the recipe for you too. It is a much healthier option for you to switch to and enjoy.
✅You may also like these healthy snacks
Looking for other sweet or savory healthier recipes like this? Try these:
💚If you like healthier treats, you will also like these
If you make this sugar-free banana bread please leave a comment below and/or give this recipe a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ !
Ratings and comments help other busy parents and families discover this recipe. Plus I love to hear from you and always do my best to respond to each and every comment.
🍌 Sugar-free banana bread
Ingredients
- 3 medium bananas very ripe
- 4 medium eggs
- 150 grams barley flakes
- 4 tablespoons walnuts chopped and toasted
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons flaked almonds
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips I used dark
- 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
- 2 tablespoons dates powder sweetner
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
- ⅙ teaspoon Celtic salt a pinch
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients, grease one or two tins or line with parchment paper and preheat the oven at 180℃ /350℉.
- In a larger bowl, mush the bananas with the help of a fork.
- Add the eggs eggs on top of the bananas and beat well until homogenised.
- Add the pumpkin and sunflower seeds, desiccated coconut, flax, chia seeds, salt, chocolate chips, cinnamon, dates sugar and the almond flakes. Mix well.
- In a pan, toast the chopped walnuts and add to the batter along with the 150 grams of barley flakes. Mixx until everything is well incorporated.
- Pour the batter in the tins or ramekins, add some banana slices over and place in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until nice and brown.
- Once ready, take out of the oven, leave to cool for 5 min and after take all out and place on a cooling rack. Serve as desired or allow to cool completely before storing them for later.
Notes
- Sweetness - Add more sweetener if you wish this to be sweeter, this is perfectly sweet for my taste buds and liking. It is very moreish but not the sweetest I admit.
- Cooking time - this will vary depending on the tin size or if just using ramekins in which case the cooking time will drop to 20 minutes or so.
Elene says
Wonderful banana bread recipe. I cannot believe this contained no added sugar - I made it for my diabetic and very naughty husband who used to eat biscuits until I made this. He loved it so it is a winner - he's so fussy. Thank you so much. Z x
Ramona says
Thank you Elene ❤️🤗
Davina says
We loved this recipe - incredibly delicious - I love how healthy this is - kids loved it very much and want me to make it again and again.
Mel says
This was fantastic! I have added some thyme - weird I know but thats me. It is an amazing recipe and the sweetness its just perfect.Thanks for sharing!
Ramona says
I am really happy you loved it dear Mel and the thyme addition I totally agree with, I would happily do that. I do add turmeric and black pepper somethimes so do not worry, you are not alone 😉 lol.
Gina says
Very nice recipe indeed.
Sean says
I brought this into the office and no one believed me that it was sugar free. Everyone scarfed it down.
Ramona says
wow, thank you soo much Sean - I really appreciate your feedback. I have shared some with some friends yesterday and I had the same reaction. They loved it.
Julie says
I needed a healthier dessert to make for the family and this fit the bill perfectly. I love how tasty this came out and will be making it again. The perfect banana sweetness!
Ramona says
Thanks soo much dear Julie! xx
Loreto and Nicoletta says
We believe that breakfast is a very important meal. Your banana bread looks so hearty and scrumptious
This would definitely fuel our bodies for the start of our day. We love that you used the natural sweetness of banana and date powder. So healthy! 😋 👍
Great share! ❤️
Ramona says
Thank you lovelies, it really is healthy indeed - so tasty too! Thanks for your kind feedback.
Leslie says
I love this healthy banana bread recipe! So much goodness here..especially the texture!
Ramona says
Thank you Leslie. I make it almost weekly - it makes such a good breakfast.
Dan says
My 5 and 7 year olds smashed it. It must be really good. Just wanted to let you know, lol
Ramona says
Ha ha , I am so happy Dan! Well done for making a healthier option for your kids, I am very impressed! 😉
Tammy says
Wow this loaf is chock full of wonderful! There are so many hearty ingredients here...perfect morning treat with coffee or tea ^_^
Dorina says
This was amazing. Ill make this weekly now.
Elizabeth says
This was really, really delicious. We took some for picnic and it was the savior especially with the hungry youngters that were playing all the time. Great recipe, thanks Ramona xo
Ramona says
he he I know exactly what you are saying. Funny you mention a picnic - we did just that today and banana bread was not missing from our packed food to take away. My teens are constantly hungry and we did gofor a very long walk (3+hours) they were so happy when I took out some of the banana bread but I gave made it little bites today as I often do that when I take it away on picnics or for a snack.
Veronika says
Absolutely loved this banana bread! The crunchy walnuts, coconut, and almonds added amazing texture and I don't even miss the sugar!
Tiffany says
We loved this banana bread Ramona and didnt feel the need to add any sugar but i gues this is also because we are not that super sweet tooth kind of family but kids would have moaned about it and they didnt so it must be perfect. our bananas were as ripe as yours in the picture so they were super sweet. All in all we loved this recipe and im definitely making it again. xx
Bernice says
Loved this unique and healthy spin on banana bread. The flavour and texture were excellent and I didn't even miss the sugar.
Ramona says
Yayy, thanks Bernice - we feel exactly the same and my teens love it on weekly basis - it has become a breakfast regular with a glass of kefir. 😉
Leslie says
This was soo tasty and perfectly sweet for out tooth and trust me, hubby loves his sweets and desserts and loved it.
Megane says
A big fave here! Love the choc chips and all the crunchy bits too. I feel so healthy.
Ashley says
Banana bread is one of my favorites, so I cannot wait to try this one. The fact that it's loaded with so many healthy things AND chocolate--I'm sold!
Gina says
Wow, this banana bread is something else. So tasty and nutritious, my kids loved it too and did not notice it had no sugar. Winning recipe for sure. I really hope you will put more lovely recipes like this up. Oh, I loved your lentil bread too!!! OMG thats and adult win win recipe, so amazing! I love your site and the cooking you do its so much up my alley.
Hayley Dhanecha says
Wow, this no sugar banana bread was amazing! We couldn't tell that this bread was made without refined sugar. Perfect with tea!
Dennis says
What a perfectly delicious banana bread! No one had a clue it didn't contain sugar or flour.
Lauren says
This banana bread came out with such great flavor! It's going to be breakfast for the next few days. I will make this recipe again - thanks!
Jackie says
This was my first time making banana bread with barley flakes, and it was so good; thank you for sharing!!
Ramona says
yay!!! A win win!
veenaazmanov says
This is a super healthy combination with the Cinnamon flavor given to it. Just perfect Bread for Breakfast or a snack option too.
Cathleen says
This is perfect! I wanted to find a banana bread recipe that I would feel good giving to my toddler and this one is it! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe 🙂
Megane says
Oh, I loved the use of the barley flakes. The bread is really earthy and tastes like some crazy good artisan bread but I made it! Thanks for making me look like a chef and for the tasty recipe.
Jordan says
Thick, wholesome breads are my favorite. I love the dense texture and hint of sweetness in this loaf. Such a good snack when my sweet tooth hits!
Marta says
I loved that this banana bread didn't taste like it was sugar-free, but also didn't taste artificially sweetened. The added barely really allowed me to feel like I ate a complete meal, when all I had was a slice! This is a great recipe for sure.
Tracy says
This is the flour and sugar free banana bread that I've been looking for. Love that it's sweetened with dates and that the #1 ingredient is bananas, as it should be!!