You know, this Healthy Banana Bread has become one of my favorite recipes lately. It doesn’t have any refined flour, and it doesn’t use much sugar either.
Instead, it’s made with oats, bananas, and just a little bit of sweetness. So, it works really well for breakfast in the morning, or even with tea in the evening.
And the best part is that it’s very easy to make. You just mix everything together, put it in the oven, and then it’s ready. What you get is a healthy, soft, and nice-smelling banana bread.
Healthy Banana Bread
Description
This Healthy Banana Bread is a simple and wholesome baking recipe made with oat flour instead of refined flour, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of white sugar. It’s soft, mildly sweet, and full of fiber thanks to the ripe bananas. You can enjoy it for breakfast, with tea, or as a light evening snack. It’s a guilt-free treat that works for everyone both kids and adults alike.
Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Then take a 8×4 or 9×5 inch bread pan. After that, line it with parchment paper or lightly spray it with oil so the bread doesn’t stick.
- If you don’t have oat flour, then grind 3 cups + 2 tablespoons of rolled oats in a mixer until it turns into fine flour.
- Next, add 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder. Mix everything well.
- Now take a large bowl and add 2 eggs, 1/4 cup oat milk (or any milk), 1⅓ cups mashed bananas (about 3½ large bananas), and 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup.
- Then whisk everything together until it looks smooth and combined.
- After that, slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to mix. Try not to overmix, because that can make the bread dense.
- Once mixed, let the batter sit for 5 minutes so the oat flour can absorb some moisture.
- Now pour the batter into the prepared bread pan and spread it out evenly. Then bake it at 200°C (400°F) for 30 minutes. Don’t open the oven during this time.
- After that, lower the temperature to 160°C (325°F) and bake for another 15-20 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, the bread is done.
- Take the bread out of the oven and place it on a cooling rack for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan and slice it.
- You can eat it warm, or let it cool and store it in an airtight container. It stays good for 3 days at room temperature and up to 3 months in the freezer.
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the pan
Step 2: Get the dry ingredients ready
Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients
Step 4: Combine dry and wet mixtures
Step 5: Pour the batter and bake
Step 6: Cool and serve
Bread
Pro Tips & Variations
Pro Tips:
- The riper the bananas, the better the taste: Try to use bananas that are very ripe. The ones with brown spots on the skin. These are naturally sweeter and softer, which helps make the bread taste better without needing extra sugar.
- Don’t overmix the batter: After you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, just mix until everything looks combined. If you mix too much, the bread can turn out dense and dry instead of soft.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes: Once the batter is mixed, leave it for about 5 minutes before baking. This gives the oat flour time to absorb moisture, which helps improve the texture of the bread.
- Don’t open the oven while baking: It’s tempting to check, but opening the oven door in the middle of baking can lower the temperature. That can stop the bread from rising properly.
- Cooling is important: After baking, let the bread sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Then take it out and let it cool a bit more. This helps the bread set properly and prevents it from breaking when you slice it.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips: If you like a chocolate flavor, you can mix in a handful of dark chocolate chips into the batter. You can add them right after mixing the wet and dry ingredients. Try not to overmix after adding. These melt slightly while baking and give a soft, chocolatey bite in every slice. Kids usually enjoy this a lot, especially when the bread is still warm.
- Add some nuts: If you like a chocolate flavor, you can mix in a handful of dark chocolate chips into the batter. You can add them right after mixing the wet and dry ingredients. Try not to overmix after adding. These melt slightly while baking and give a soft, chocolatey bite in every slice. Kids usually enjoy this a lot, especially when the bread is still warm.
- Add blueberries or raisins: If you want a fruity touch, you can mix in fresh or frozen blueberries, or a handful of raisins. Just make sure to coat them lightly in oat flour before adding as this helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom. These add a nice burst of flavor and make the bread feel more like a treat.
- Vegan version: If you’re avoiding eggs, you can use a flax egg instead. Just mix 2 tablespoons of flaxseed powder with 6 tablespoons of water, stir well, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens. Also, replace honey with maple syrup. Everything else stays the same, and the bread still turns out soft and tasty.
- Bake as muffins instead: If you don’t want to make a loaf, you can pour the same batter into muffin tins lined with paper cups or lightly greased. Fill each cup about ¾ full. These bake faster, usually in 20 to 25 minutes at 200°C (400°F) and are easier to store and serve. They’re also great for lunchboxes or snacks on the go.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storage Instructions:
- At room temperature: If the weather isn’t too hot, you can keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 or 3 days. Just make sure the lid is tightly closed so the bread doesn’t dry out.
- Storing in the fridge: If you want to store it a bit longer, slice the bread and place the pieces in a container. Then keep it in the fridge for 5 to 7 days. Before eating, warm it slightly so it feels soft again.
- How to freeze it: First, let the bread cool down completely. Then slice it and place a piece of butter paper between each slice. After that, store the slices in a zip lock bag or airtight box and keep it in the freezer. It stays good for up to 3 months.
- How to defrost it: When you want to eat a frozen slice, take it out and leave it at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, or you can warm it directly in the microwave for a few seconds.
Reheating Instructions:
- Quick microwave method: Place one slice on a plate and microwave it for 15 to 20 seconds. This makes the bread soft and fresh again.
- Use a toaster or pan: If you like a little crunch, you can toast the slice or heat it on a non-stick pan for a short time on both sides.
- Reheating in the oven: Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F). Then place the slices on a tray and warm them for 5 to 7 minutes. This works well when you’re reheating more than one slice.
- Add a little butter while reheating: If you want extra flavor and softness, you can spread a little butter or nut butter on the slice before reheating. It gives a nice taste and keeps the bread moist.
Serving Suggestions:
- Eat it plain: The bread has enough flavor on its own, so you can enjoy it without adding anything. It’s soft, slightly sweet, and tastes even better when it’s slightly warm. This works well when you want a quick snack without any extra steps.
- Spread some nut butter: If you want something more filling, you can spread peanut butter or almond butter on a slice. This adds healthy fats and protein, which makes it a good option for breakfast or a post-workout snack. You can also try cashew butter or sunflower seed butter if you prefer.
- Add fresh fruit: For a fresh and colorful touch, place a few slices of banana, strawberry, or apple on top. If you like, you can drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the fruit. This makes the bread feel more like a mini fruit toast and adds natural sweetness.
- Serve with tea or coffee: This bread pairs really well with morning coffee or evening tea. It’s a good homemade option that feels comforting and is healthier than packaged snacks. You can serve it warm or at room temperature depending on your preference.
- Turn it into a dessert: If you’re craving something sweet, you can spread a little dark chocolate spread or hazelnut spread on the bread. You can also add a few chocolate chips or a pinch of cinnamon on top. This gives you a dessert-like feel without being too heavy.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
Serving Size 1 slice (approx. 90–100 g)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 190kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 4.8g8%
- Saturated Fat 1.2g6%
- Cholesterol 35mg12%
- Sodium 115mg5%
- Potassium 260mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 31g11%
- Dietary Fiber 3.2g13%
- Sugars 11g
- Protein 6g12%
- Vitamin A 120 IU
- Vitamin C 3 mg
- Calcium 60 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Vitamin D 10 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQ
Q1. Can I use wheat flour or all-purpose flour instead of oat flour?
Yes, you can. If you don’t have oat flour, then whole wheat flour is a good healthy option. Just keep in mind that the bread will turn out a bit dense. If you use all-purpose flour, the texture will be lighter and more like cake.
Q2. How can I make this recipe vegan?
It’s very easy. Instead of eggs, use a flax egg (2 tablespoons flaxseed powder + 6 tablespoons water). And instead of honey, use maple syrup. Everything else stays the same, and the taste will still be good.
Q3. Why does my bread stay wet in the middle?
This usually happens when the oven temperature is too high or too low. Make sure the oven is preheated properly, and check with a toothpick in the center as it should come out clean. If it’s still wet, bake the bread for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Q4. Can I add protein powder to this?
Yes, definitely. You can add one scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder. Just add a little more milk so the batter doesn’t get too thick. This makes the bread even healthier and good for fitness.
