Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup zero-calorie sweetener (like Stevia or monk fruit)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (adjust points accordingly)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard-sized loaf pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Add applesauce, zero-calorie sweetener, vanilla extract, and the egg. Mix well until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Optional Add-ins: If desired, fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips. Note that adding these will increase the SmartPoints value, so adjust accordingly.
- Pour into Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice the banana bread into portions. The SmartPoints value will depend on the number of slices you cut.
Notes:
- Sweeteners: Choose a zero-calorie sweetener suitable for baking, and adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference.
- Nuts or Chocolate Chips: If you add nuts or chocolate chips, be sure to account for the additional points. Consider using a smaller amount if you’re aiming for lower SmartPoints.
- Portion Control: The number of slices will affect the SmartPoints value per serving, so be mindful of portion sizes.
- Storage: Store the banana bread in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
