This whole wheat banana chia bread is not only extra healthy its extra delicious with the added chia seeds. It is classic comfort food with a healthy twist.
Banana bread is such a classic comfort food but I do think you can up the nutrients up a notch with this whole wheat banana chia bread.
Jump to:
- Why chia seeds?
- Why whole wheat?
- Do I have to make a loaf?
- What ingredients do I need to make this banana bread?
- Can I use more chia seeds?
- Do I have to add nuts?
- Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
- Do I have to use whole wheat flour?
- Can you taste the chia seeds?
- How long do I bake this banana bread for?
- Whole Wheat Banana Chia Bread
Why chia seeds?
Chia seeds may be small but they are mighty. They are filled with so many nutrients but are light in calories. Chia seeds contain fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and more! Chia seeds also contain a lot of antioxidants so much so that it helps prevent them from going rancid, isn’t that cool? I love adding chia seeds to my baking whenever I can since they are so healthy.
Why whole wheat?
Whole wheat flour has sort of a nutty flavor but it pairs very nicely with banana. It also adds more nutrients and fiber than just all purpose flour which will also help to keep you full for longer.
Do I have to make a loaf?
This recipe also works well as muffins. If you want to make muffins, it yields about a dozen muffins and you’ll need to reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.
What ingredients do I need to make this banana bread?
For this recipe, you will need:
- Whole wheat flour (you can substitute all purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand)
- Ripe bananas
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Vanilla
- Butter
- White sugar
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Egg
- Chia Seeds
- Pecans or walnuts (optional)
Can I use more chia seeds?
If you are used to having chia seeds in your diet, you can add up to ⅓ cup to this recipe. I recommend starting with ¼ cup if you normally don’t eat a lot of chia seeds because of their fiber content.
Do I have to add nuts?
I added pecans to my banana bread but feel free to skip this step.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! I love using frozen bananas when I’m making banana bread. Frozen bananas are also great for smoothies too.
Do I have to use whole wheat flour?
If you don’t have any whole wheat flour, you can substitute all purpose flour in this recipe, you’ll just have to watch and possibly reduce your baking time.
Can you taste the chia seeds?
Chia seeds have a very mild nutty flavor but you won’t be able to taste them in this recipe due to the banana.
How long do I bake this banana bread for?
You’ll want to bake this banana bread for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Other bread and muffin recipes:
Whole Wheat Banana Chia Bread
Equipment
- loaf pan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 3 large and ripe bananas about 1 ½ cups
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup butter melted and cooled
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ½ cup pecans or walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Next, peel and then mash the bananas in a bowl. Add the dry ingredients and chia seeds with the bananas into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the wet ingredients. Be sure to cool your butter or it may scramble the egg.
- Mix all the ingredients well (for about two to three minutes) with a hand mixer.
- Pour the batter into a well greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the middle.
Lauren says
I love having healthy treats like this on hand for breakfast and snacks. I am trying to cook more with whole wheat flour, but I haven’t cooked much with chia seeds. Can’t wait to try.
Julie says
Yum! I eat gluten free, and I am going to try adding some chia seeds to my recipe to make it healthier!!
Veronica Hughes says
This sounds amazing!! I love banana bread so I’m definitely gonna have to try this recipe!
TK says
That looks so good! Sometimes I wish I was more of a baker!
Katie says
Yum! This would be a great thing to add to my breakfast rotation! Will definitely be giving this a try!
Melanie says
Trying this recipe for thanksgiving this year