You know that cozy feeling when your whole house smells like cinnamon and bananas? That’s exactly what happens when I make this Christmas healthy dinner Crock Pot banana bread. I stumbled onto this recipe years ago when my oven was packed with holiday dishes, and now it’s become our family’s favorite way to bake banana bread – hands down!
What I love most is how ridiculously easy it is. Just toss everything in the crock, set it, and forget it while you’re wrapping presents or setting the holiday table. No babysitting required! Plus, with whole wheat flour, honey instead of refined sugar, and coconut oil, it’s a treat I can feel good about serving after our big Christmas meal. The slow cooking makes it incredibly moist – like, “hide-the-last-slice-from-your-kids” moist.
Every Christmas Eve, I prep this before bed and wake up to the most magical breakfast aroma. It’s become our little holiday tradition – the scent of banana bread mingling with pine needles and cinnamon candles. Try it once, and I bet it’ll become yours too!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Healthy Dinner Crock Pot Banana Bread
Oh friends, let me count the ways this recipe will change your holiday baking game! First off, it’s so easy you could practically make it in your pajamas while sipping eggnog (not that I’ve done that… okay, maybe once). But here’s what really makes it special:
- Set-it-and-forget-it magic: Just mix, pour, and let your Crock Pot do all the work while you tackle your holiday to-do list
- Healthier without the guilt: Whole wheat flour, natural honey sweetness, and good-for-you fats make this a treat you can actually feel good about serving
- Christmas morning perfection: Wake up to your house smelling like a winter bakery – no oven required during the busy holiday rush
- Moist for days: The slow cooking locks in moisture better than traditional baking, keeping it fresh through all your holiday gatherings
Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to oven-baked banana bread during the holidays again!
Ingredients for Christmas Healthy Dinner Crock Pot Banana Bread
Here’s the beautiful part – you probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now! I love recipes like this where everything comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients. Just make sure those bananas are nice and spotty – the riper, the sweeter your bread will be naturally. If you are looking for other easy, healthy recipes, check out this healthy power breakfast bowl idea!
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups – use those black-speckled ones!)
- 1/4 cup honey (local if you can find it – the flavor really shines through)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (measure it solid, then melt – trust me on this)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature blends better)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (the good stuff makes all the difference)
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (I use white whole wheat for lighter texture)
- 1 tsp baking soda (fresh is best – check the expiration date!)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (our secret Christmas flavor booster)
- 1/4 tsp salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but so good for crunch – pecans work too!)
See? Nothing weird or complicated – just real food that makes your kitchen smell like holiday magic. Now let’s get mixing!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this! Just grab your trusty Crock Pot (mine’s a 6-quart), a couple mixing bowls, a wooden spoon or spatula, and basic measuring cups/spoons. That’s it – no mixer required! The simpler the better, right? For more slow cooker inspiration, take a look at this healthy crockpot creamy potato hamburger soup.
How to Make Christmas Healthy Dinner Crock Pot Banana Bread
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making banana bread in a Crock Pot might sound a little strange at first, but once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Here’s exactly how I do it – every step is easier than wrapping presents, I promise!
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
First things first – mash those bananas! I like to leave them a little chunky for texture. In a big bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, honey, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla until they’re best friends. In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Now slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing is the enemy of tender bread! Fold in walnuts now if you’re using them.
Step 2: Cook in the Crock Pot
Here’s my secret weapon – grease that Crock Pot well with coconut oil (or use parchment paper for easy lifting). Pour in your batter and resist the urge to peek! Cook on high for about 2 hours, but check at 1.5 hours – all slow cookers run a little different. The bread’s done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Oh, that first whiff when you lift the lid? Pure Christmas magic!
Step 3: Cooling and Serving
Patience, my friend! Let the bread cool in the pot for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a rack. Wait at least 15 more minutes before slicing – I know it’s hard, but this keeps it from crumbling. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy, or just enjoy as-is with your morning coffee. If you are interested in the health benefits of using natural sweeteners like honey, you can read more about official guidance on honey labeling.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Healthy Dinner Crock Pot Banana Bread
After making this recipe dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference. First – those bananas need to be ridiculously ripe, like almost-black-spotty ripe. This gives natural sweetness without needing extra sugar. Second – check early! Around the 1.5 hour mark, poke it with a toothpick – slow cookers vary wildly. Overcooked banana bread breaks my heart!
For storage, wrap cooled bread tightly in foil or keep in an airtight container. It stays moist for 3 days at room temp, or freeze slices for up to 3 months (perfect for unexpected holiday guests!). Pro tip: warm frozen slices in the toaster oven – tastes just-baked!
Ingredient Substitutions
Life happens – here’s how to adapt when your pantry doesn’t cooperate! Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar if needed (same measurements). No coconut oil? Melted butter works beautifully. For nuts, try pecans or almonds instead of walnuts. And if you’re out of whole wheat flour, regular all-purpose flour does the trick – just use 1 1/4 cups instead. See? No holiday baking emergencies here! If you need a substitute for nuts, perhaps try these roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch instead.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious slice! Keep in mind these are estimates – your exact numbers might dance a bit depending on your bananas’ ripeness and which brands you use. But hey, that’s the beauty of homemade!
Each serving (about 1 slice) packs roughly: 180 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated), 25g carbs with 3g fiber, and 4g protein. Not too shabby for a holiday treat that tastes this indulgent! The honey gives it about 10g natural sugar per slice – way better than refined sugar, if you ask me.
Remember, nutrition labels are like snowflakes – no two are exactly alike. But one thing’s for sure: this banana bread is packed with real ingredients you can feel good about serving your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get so many questions about this recipe – here are the ones that pop up most often! First, “Can I use regular flour?” Absolutely! Just use 1 1/4 cups all-purpose instead of whole wheat. The texture will be slightly lighter, but just as delicious.
“How long does it keep?” This bread stays moist for 3 days at room temperature if wrapped well. But let’s be real – it never lasts that long in my house! For longer storage, slice and freeze for up to 3 months.
“My slow cooker runs hot – any tips?” Oh yes! Check at 1 hour 15 minutes instead of 1.5 hours. If the edges look done but center’s still gooey, turn off the heat and let residual warmth finish the job.
“Can I make this vegan?” You bet! Swap eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use maple syrup instead of honey. Works like a charm!
Share Your Christmas Healthy Dinner Crock Pot Banana Bread
I’d love to hear how your banana bread turns out! Snap a photo of your creation and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday baking successes. Did you add any special twists? Maybe a sprinkle of chocolate chips or a dash of nutmeg? Drop a comment below and let’s swap Crock Pot baking stories!
Print
1 Unforgettable Christmas Healthy Dinner Crock Pot Banana Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A healthy banana bread recipe perfect for Christmas dinner, made easily in a Crock Pot.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Grease the Crock Pot with coconut oil.
- Mix mashed bananas, honey, coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl.
- Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until combined.
- Fold in walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into the Crock Pot.
- Cook on high for 2 hours or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for sweetness.
- Check bread after 1.5 hours to avoid overcooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American