This Easy Whole Wheat Banana Bread is baked right in a cast iron pan, which takes half the time of making it in a loaf pan. Banana Bread with whole wheat is hearty and full of tons of goodness. Make this healthy banana bread recipe for breakfast, dessert or a simple side for dinner.

Looking for other cast iron skillet recipes? Check out my recipes for German Apple Pancakes, Ham and Cheese Frittata or this Dutch Oven Bread.

cast iron pan with chocolate chip banana bread

Cast Iron Banana Bread

Cooking banana bread in a cast iron skillet is next level!! If you are used to banana bread taking a whole hour to cook through, you will be pleasantly pleased that this bread takes just 25-30 minutes to cook to perfection. The cast iron keeps the heat nice and even so the bread cooks through perfectly with just a hint of crunch on the edges.

To make this simple, healthy banana bread recipe, you just need a 12 inch cast iron skillet and a few ingredients you most likely already have in your pantry. Don’t forget the chocolate and nuts….of course, the nuts are optional, but if you are on the fence about it, definitely add them. Walnuts are so delicious in this recipe!!

cast iron pan with sliced chocolate chip walnut banana bread

How to make Healthy Banana Bread in a Cast Iron Skillet

This recipe for healthy banana bread can be mixed by hand, no need for an electric mixer or stand mixer, but you can definitely use either if you prefer.

Follow these simple steps and tips to make whole wheat banana bread:

In a large mixing bowl combine the liquid coconut oil, honey, eggs, mashed bananas and vanilla. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and everything is well combined.
Sift the dry ingredients into the banana mixture

sifting dry ingredients into over a mixing bowl through a wire sifter

To easily sift the dry ingredients into the liquid, I like to place a wire mesh strainer over the bowl and add the dry ingredients right into basket. Once the ingredients are all in the basket just shake them into the bowl underneath, then mix together to make the banana bread dough.
Lastly, fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts until they are all incorporated into the batter.

cast iron pan with chocolate chip banana bread batter

Spread the banana bread batter right into a well greased 10 inch cast iron skillet. Place extra chocolate chips and walnuts on the top of the bread before placing into a 350º F oven to bake for 25-30 minutes.

The banana bread is done when a toothpick or knife poked into the center comes out clean, without any batter on it. Remove the banana bread from the oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. The cast iron pan will help it keep warm for quite a while, which is awesome!! Warm banana bread is the BEST!!

pan of cooked chocolate chip banana bread in black cast iron pan

Can I Substitute All Purpose Flour

The answer is YES, I always make this recipe with all purpose flour if I don’t have whole wheat on hand. The recipe calls for 2 cups of whole wheat flour, but I only use 1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour when I do the substitution.

Other Cast Iron Baking Recipes to Try

Berry Crisp Recipe

Cast Iron Cornbread

Fresh Peach Cobbler

cast iron skillet with a chocolate chip cookie

Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Cookie

cast iron pan with chocolate chip walnut banana bread

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