Healthy Oat Banana Bread
This Healthy Oat Banana Bread is a nourishing twist on the classic banana bread, offering a moist, flavorful loaf made with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, oats, and whole wheat flour. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, it's a perfect breakfast or snack for those seeking a healthier treat. The recipe is easy to make, and you can even customize it with nuts, seeds, or other mix-ins to suit your preferences.
Equipment
- 1 Loaf Pan (9x5-inch)
- 1 Mixing Bowl (Large)
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Fork or Potato Masher
- 1 Spatula
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 Ripe Bananas mashed
- 1 ½ cups Whole Wheat Flour
- 1 cup Rolled Oats
- 2 Large Eggs
- ¼ cup Honey or Maple Syrup
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- Optional Add-ins ¼ cup Walnuts, Chia Seeds, or Protein Powder
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mash the Bananas
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- Add eggs, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, oats, baking powder, and cinnamon.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Add Optional Mix-ins
- If desired, fold in walnuts, chia seeds, or any other mix-ins at this stage.
Pour into Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
Cool and Slice
- Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Recipe Notes
- Ripeness of Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister the bread will be. Overripe bananas work best for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Substitutions: You can substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use coconut flour for a different flavor and texture.
- Make It Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use maple syrup as the sweetener.
- Storage: Store the banana bread at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze slices for up to 3 months.