Healthy Banana Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until completely smooth.

Add in the honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

In another bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk together until evenly mixed.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.