I’m about to share my absolute favorite banana bread recipe that’s caused quite a stir in my Weight Watchers group. Can you imagine a slice of moist, flavorful banana bread for just 1 point? It seems too good to be true, but this little miracle combines ripe bananas, Splenda, and applesauce to create something that tastes indulgent while keeping your points in check. The secret lies in what’s missing—no butter needed—but trust me, you won’t miss it one bit.
Why you’ll love this dish
This guilt-free banana bread is a game-changer for anyone watching their calories but still craving something sweet and satisfying. At just 1 Weight Watchers point per slice, it’s practically a miracle in bread form.
You know that disappointment when “healthy” versions taste like cardboard? Not here. The mashed bananas and applesauce create moisture without butter, while the Splenda cuts calories without sacrificing sweetness.
The combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flours gives you the perfect texture – not too dense, not too crumbly.
Perfect with your morning coffee, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or whenever those sweet cravings hit.
Ingredients
This banana bread recipe proves you don’t need loads of butter and sugar to create something truly delicious. The secret lies in using naturally sweet, ripe bananas and applesauce to replace most of the fat you’d typically find in traditional recipes.
And with just 1 Weight Watchers point per slice, you can enjoy a treat without derailing your healthy eating goals.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup Splenda sugar substitute
- 1/2 cup natural applesauce
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
For best results, make sure your bananas are very ripe—the kind with lots of brown spots that might look past their prime.
Those are actually perfect for baking! The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
And don’t skip the whole wheat flour; it adds a nutty depth and some extra fiber that makes this guilt-free treat even more satisfying.
If you’re not a fan of Splenda, other sugar substitutes can work too, though you might need to adjust the measurements slightly.
Directions
Making this low-point banana bread couldn’t be simpler. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees (or 325 if you’re using a dark pan—more on that in a minute). In a mixer, mash those 3 ripe bananas until they’re nice and smooth. The mushier, the better! Add 1 cup of Splenda and mix until well combined. This is where the magic happens—no butter or oil needed, just the natural goodness of bananas and a touch of sweetness.
Now for the dry ingredients. Mix in your 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda. Stir everything until just combined—overmixing can make your bread tough, and nobody wants that!
The 1/2 cup of natural applesauce goes in too, providing moisture without added fat. Once your batter is ready, pour it into a bread pan that you’ve sprayed with non-stick spray. Don’t skip this step unless you want your bread permanently attached to the pan, which would be a sad ending to all your hard work.
Bake your banana bread for 50-60 minutes, or until a cake tester (or toothpick) comes out clean when inserted into the center. If you’re using a dark-coated pan, remember to lower that temperature to 325 degrees and give it a few extra minutes in the oven.
When done, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. The waiting is the hardest part, but letting it cool properly means perfect slices rather than a crumbly mess. Who knew something so delicious could be just 1 Weight Watchers point per slice?
Substitutions and Variations
While this low-point banana bread is perfect as written, don’t feel like you’re locked into following the recipe exactly as is.
I’m a firm believer in making recipes your own. Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra warmth, or fold in some chopped walnuts if you don’t mind spending an extra point or two.
Not a fan of Splenda? Monk fruit sweetener works beautifully as a substitute.
For a protein boost, swap a quarter cup of flour with protein powder.
And those overripe bananas sitting on your counter? They’re actually ideal—the browner, the better for sweetness.
Additional Things to Serve With This Dish
Since this guilt-free banana bread only counts as one Weight Watchers point, you’ve got plenty of room to pair it with complementary foods without derailing your healthy eating goals.
I love serving a warm slice with a dollop of fat-free Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a protein boost.
Maybe you’re craving something more decadent? A thin spread of natural almond butter adds healthy fats without too many extra points.
For a complete breakfast, pair with fresh berries and a cup of coffee (black or with sugar-free creamer).
Feeling fancy? Try it toasted with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Final Thought
This guilt-free banana bread represents so much more than just a low-point dessert option.
It’s about finding balance in our eating habits without sacrificing the comforting flavors we crave. Who says healthy eating can’t be delicious?
I love how this recipe transforms overripe bananas into something magical, turning what might’ve been food waste into a treat you can enjoy without guilt.
The blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour gives you fiber while maintaining that tender crumb we all want.
