Healthy Whole Wheat Banana Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You can leave some small chunks for texture if desired.

Add the honey (or maple syrup) to the mashed bananas, along with the eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

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

Fold in the chopped nuts, if using.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.