This Healthy Banana Bread with Oat Flour is a nutritious, flavorful, and easy-to-make treat. It’s made with natural sweeteners like ripe bananas and is a healthier alternative to traditional banana bread. Using oat flour instead of regular flour provides a heart-healthy, gluten-free option that is high in fiber and essential nutrients. Perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert, this banana bread offers a deliciously moist and light texture.
Ingredients
- Bananas: 3 ripe
- Eggs: 2
- Milk or Plant-Based Milk: ½ cup (120ml)
- Oat Flour: 1½ cups (180g)
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
- Sweetener: Optional, such as honey, stevia, or date paste to taste
Directions
Step 1: Mash the Bananas
Mash the 3 ripe bananas in a large bowl with a fork until smooth. Ripe bananas will give the bread a natural sweetness. If the bananas aren’t ripe enough, microwave them for 2-3 minutes or bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes to soften them.
Step 2: Add Eggs
Add 2 eggs to the mashed bananas and mix thoroughly. The eggs help give structure to the bread.
Step 3: Add Sweetener (Optional)
If you like sweeter banana bread, add a sweetener such as honey, stevia, or date paste. Adjust to taste.
Step 4: Add Milk
Pour in ½ cup (120ml) of milk or any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Add Oat Flour and Baking Powder
Gradually add 1½ cups (180g) of oat flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a 22 cm (8.6 inches) baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a spread of peanut butter or almond butter.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a wholesome breakfast.
- Top with fresh fruit like berries or banana slices for added flavor.
- For a snack, enjoy with yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
- Use the banana bread as a base for French toast for a delicious breakfast treat.
Cooking Tips
- If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can bake them in the oven or microwave to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Add mix-ins like chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, or raisins for extra flavor.
- To make your own oat flour, simply blend rolled oats in a food processor until fine.
- If you prefer denser banana bread, reduce the amount of baking powder slightly.
Nutritional Benefits
- Bananas: Packed with potassium and vitamin C, they add natural sweetness and energy.
- Oat Flour: High in fiber and vitamins, oat flour is a heart-healthy gluten-free option.
- Eggs: Provide protein and help bind the ingredients together, adding structure to the bread.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free oat flour for a completely gluten-free bread.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace regular milk with plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
- Refined Sugar-Free: Naturally sweetened with bananas or optional sweeteners like honey or date paste.
Nutritional Facts (per slice)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store banana bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Can be refrigerated for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?
Yes, you can use regular all-purpose flour if you prefer, but the texture and nutritional profile will differ. Oat flour is gluten-free and adds fiber, while all-purpose flour contains gluten and fewer nutrients.
2. Can I make this banana bread without eggs?
Yes, you can use a flax egg or chia egg as a substitute for the eggs. To make a flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before adding it to the recipe.
3. How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
The bananas should be ripe with plenty of brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bread will be. If you use bananas that aren’t fully ripe, you can bake or microwave them to bring out their natural sweetness.
4. Can I add nuts or chocolate to the banana bread?
Yes! Feel free to add chopped walnuts, pecans, dark chocolate chips, or even raisins to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just fold them in gently after the dry ingredients are mixed in.
5. How can I make the banana bread sweeter?
You can add your preferred sweetener such as honey, maple syrup, stevia, or date paste. However, keep in mind that ripe bananas already provide significant sweetness, so adjust the amount to your taste.
6. Can I make this banana bread without any sweetener?
Yes, you can make this banana bread without any additional sweetener if you prefer. The bananas will provide enough natural sweetness, especially if they are very ripe.
Conclusion
This Healthy Banana Bread with Oat Flour is a versatile and nutritious treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts. Made with simple ingredients and naturally sweetened, it’s easy to adapt to your dietary preferences. Whether you enjoy it plain, with spreads, or as a base for French toast, this banana bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it’s heart-healthy, gluten-free, and offers a good dose of fiber. Enjoy this wholesome treat, and don’t forget to store leftovers for a quick snack later!