There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the smell of fresh banana bread baking in the oven. But if you’re looking to elevate your baking game and make healthier choices, spelt banana bread is the way to go. With its nutty flavor and whole-grain benefits, spelt flour brings a nutritious edge to this beloved recipe without compromising on flavor or texture.
In this detailed guide, you’ll discover why spelt is a favorite among health-conscious bakers, how to make the perfect loaf, how to customize it for various diets, and how to ensure it stays moist and delicious long after baking.
What Is Spelt Flour?
Spelt flour is an ancient grain that dates back thousands of years. It’s part of the wheat family but remains less processed than modern white flour. This allows it to retain more of its natural nutrients — and flavor.
Nutritional Advantages:
- Higher in dietary fiber, which aids digestion
- Contains more protein than regular wheat flour
- Rich in essential nutrients like magnesium, zinc, iron, and B vitamins
- Contains gluten but is more easily digestible for some people
Its flavor is one of its biggest draws — lightly sweet, nutty, and perfect for both sweet and savory baking.
Learn more about the nutritional benefits of spelt flour and why it’s gaining traction among holistic nutritionists and clean eaters alike.
Why Spelt Works Perfectly for Banana Bread
Banana bread is already a go-to for using overripe bananas, but when you add spelt flour, you’re turning comfort food into functional food. Spelt’s unique properties help enhance the flavor and nutrient profile without complicating the process.
Here’s what makes spelt banana bread a winner:
- It’s naturally moist thanks to the high fiber content in spelt and bananas
- It adds a nutty, rich depth of flavor
- Offers a healthier swap for highly refined flour
- Ripe bananas contribute natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar
Curious why bananas are the go-to fruit for baking? The USDA Food Database provides a breakdown of why ripe bananas are ideal for baking — from potassium to natural sugars.
Ingredients for Classic Spelt Banana Bread
No fancy ingredients here — just whole, simple items you probably already have in your pantry.
Dry Ingredients
- 1¾ cups whole spelt flour (or light spelt flour for a softer crumb)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 2–3 overripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, olive oil, or butter
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs or flax eggs for a vegan version
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy)
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flax meal
- A pinch of nutmeg or clove
Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake It Right
Making banana bread is simple — but a few technique tweaks can help your loaf turn out perfectly moist, fluffy, and never dry.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 loaf pan or line it with parchment.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth with a fork.
- Stir in the oil, maple syrup or honey, eggs, vanilla, and milk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and any spices.
- Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients — do not overmix.
- Gently fold in your optional add-ins.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, checking at 50 with a toothpick (it should come out clean).
- Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 loaf pan or line it with parchment. If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can also make delicious banana bread using a bread machine for convenience and consistency.
Recipe Variations to Try
The base recipe is flexible and forgiving. You can tweak it to match your dietary needs or taste preferences.
Vegan Version
- Replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water)
- Use plant-based milk
- Choose maple syrup over honey
Paleo or Low-Sugar Options
- Swap maple syrup for mashed dates
- Use unsweetened applesauce as a sweetener substitute
- Add a pinch of monk fruit sweetener
Flavor Additions
- Fold in cocoa powder and chocolate chunks for a double chocolate version
- Add shredded coconut for texture
- Top with banana slices or rolled oats before baking for a decorative touch
How to Store and Freeze Spelt Banana Bread
Banana bread stores beautifully — and spelt holds up well.
Room Temperature Storage
- Keep in an airtight container
- Stays fresh for 2–3 days on the counter
Freezing Instructions
- Let the loaf cool completely
- Slice for individual servings
- Wrap in parchment and freeze in a ziplock bag
- Thaw at room temperature or microwave in short bursts
For extended freshness, read these tips on freezing banana bread.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Slice)
Based on a 10-slice loaf:
- Calories: 200–220
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 7–9g
- Fiber: 3–4g
- Sugar: 8–10g (depending on sweetener)
Spelt banana bread is higher in fiber and complex carbohydrates, offering more sustained energy and fewer blood sugar spikes compared to traditional recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy spelt banana bread on its own or elevate it with toppings.
For Breakfast
- Toasted with nut butter
- Served with Greek yogurt and fruit
- As part of a brunch platter
For Dessert
- With coconut whipped cream
- Paired with dark chocolate sauce
- Lightly grilled and topped with berries
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute all-purpose flour with spelt?
Yes, spelt can be substituted 1:1 in most recipes. Just be aware that it may require slightly more liquid.
Is spelt banana bread gluten-free?
No. Spelt contains gluten but may be easier to digest for some due to its simpler structure.
Why is my banana bread dense?
Likely from overmixing or using too much flour. Mix until just combined and don’t compact the flour when measuring.
Can I make it without eggs?
Yes, flax eggs or extra mashed banana work as binders in vegan recipes.
Does spelt flour change the flavor?
Yes, in a good way. It adds a nutty, slightly sweet note that complements bananas beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Spelt banana bread is the ideal intersection of comfort and nutrition. It’s simple to prepare, rich in flavor, and packed with fiber and protein. Whether you’re baking for your family, a brunch event, or just for yourself, this is a recipe that delivers on both taste and wellness.
If you’re looking for a wholesome banana bread recipe with real ingredients and real benefits, this one should be your go-to.
Spelt Banana Bread
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1¾ cups spelt flour whole or light
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon optional
- Wet Ingredients:
- 2 –3 overripe bananas mashed (about 1 cup)
- ⅓ cup coconut oil or olive oil
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs or flax eggs for vegan option
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup plant-based milk almond, oat, or soy
- Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseed meal
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas.
- Add the oil, maple syrup (or honey), eggs (or flax eggs), vanilla extract, and plant milk. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined — do not overmix.
- Fold in any add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or chia seeds.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- To make it vegan: use flax eggs and a plant-based milk like almond or oat.
- For lower sugar: replace maple syrup with mashed dates or unsweetened applesauce.
- Add a slice of banana on top before baking for a decorative finish.
- Best when made with bananas that are heavily speckled or black on the outside.