Healthier Banana Bread

I've always loved banana bread.  It's one of my favorite recipes that my mom makes and I love her recipe.  I haven't posted her recipe yet, but I will someday.  It's too good not to share!  Right now though, I'm focusing on eating healthier, and while banana bread isn't necessarily a health food, this recipe does contain some very healthy ingredients. 

Mike and I both eat a banana daily, so they're something we always have in the house.  On the rare occasion that the bananas start to turn brown before we can eat them, I peel them and stick them in my "banana bag" in the freezer.  It's perfect for making smoothies or recipes that call for bananas.  I used my freezer bananas in this recipe and I love how it turned out!

Healthier Banana Bread

Makes 1 loaf, approximately 12 servings

You will need:
1-1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1-1/2 cups mashed bananas (approximately 3 large bananas)
4 Tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
2 eggs
1/4 cup lowfat plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla

1.  Whisk flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg together in a large bowl.

2.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, butter, eggs, yogurt and vanilla.

3.  Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry mixture until just combined.  Pour batter into a greased 8-1/2" by 4-1/2" loaf pan.

4.  Bake at 325 for 55-60 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

5.  Cool for at least 1 hour before cutting into the bread.

Source:  America's Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook