Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
This Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe is a delightful and nutritious twist on the classic favorite, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
This Healthy Banana Bread with Oats is not only easy to make, but it also incorporates wholesome ingredients that make it guilt-free! The bananas add natural sweetness, while oats provide a hearty texture.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious ingredients that fuel your body
- Perfectly moist with a hint of sweetness
- Easy to make and perfect for meal prep
The Benefits of Using Oats
Oats are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health, making them an excellent addition to your diet. In this Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe, oats not only provide a hearty texture but also contribute to your daily intake of whole grains, which are essential for overall wellness.
Incorporating oats into your baking can also help keep you feeling full for longer. The soluble fiber found in oats slows digestion, allowing for a steady release of energy. This makes your banana bread not just a delicious treat, but also a satisfying option for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This banana bread is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a sweet treat for guests, this recipe fits the bill. It's also a great way to use up overripe bananas, preventing food waste while creating something delicious.
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Swap out the nuts for seeds, add chocolate chips for a sweeter version, or experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger. The possibilities are endless, ensuring that this banana bread will never get boring!
Meal Prep Made Easy
One of the best things about this Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe is its meal prep potential. You can bake a loaf at the beginning of the week and enjoy slices throughout the week. It stays fresh for several days, and you can even freeze individual slices for later enjoyment.
Simply wrap the slices in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. When you're ready to indulge, just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the toaster for a warm, comforting snack. This makes it easy to maintain a healthy diet, even on the busiest days!
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Mix well until combined and pour into a greased loaf pan.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, rolled oats, and whole wheat flour.
Combine Mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Nuts
If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your healthy banana bread as a delicious snack or breakfast!
Storage Tips
To keep your Healthy Banana Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider refrigerating it, though this may slightly alter its texture. For longer storage, freezing is the best option, allowing you to enjoy your banana bread weeks later.
When freezing, ensure that the banana bread is completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents freezer burn and will help retain its moisture. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
This banana bread is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it further with some tasty serving suggestions. Try spreading a thin layer of almond butter or peanut butter on a slice for added protein and healthy fats. Alternatively, a dollop of Greek yogurt on top can add creaminess and a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the bread.
For a special treat, consider serving the banana bread warm with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also pair it with fresh fruit like berries or slices of apple for a balanced breakfast or snack. These simple additions can transform your banana bread into a gourmet experience!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, thaw the bananas first and then mash them before adding to the mixture.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
→ Can I substitute honey with something else?
Absolutely! You can use maple syrup or agave syrup as a substitute for honey.
→ Is this banana bread gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe
This Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe is a delightful and nutritious twist on the classic favorite, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Created by: Diana Brooks
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
For the Banana Bread
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, rolled oats, and whole wheat flour.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 3g