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.