This Sugar-Free Banana Oat Loaf with Cocoa is the perfect guilt-free treat for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without refined sugar. Packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the wholesome goodness of oats, this loaf is a healthy, fiber-rich snack. The cocoa powder adds a touch of indulgence, while the added nuts provide a delightful crunch. With no added sugar and simple ingredients, this loaf is ideal for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
- 120g oat flakes (gluten-free)
- 250ml hot milk (use your favorite milk)
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons cocoa/carob powder (45g)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 40g nuts (your choice)
- Dark chocolate (sugar-free) for decoration
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Oats
Soak the Oats:
Place 120g of oat flakes in a bowl and pour 250ml of hot milk over them. Allow the oats to soak for 10 minutes, letting them soften and absorb the milk. This step ensures the oats become tender, making the loaf moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Banana Mixture
Mash the Bananas:
In a separate bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas until smooth. Ripe bananas will offer the perfect natural sweetness for this loaf.
Mix with Eggs:
Add 2 eggs to the mashed bananas and mix well. Ensure the eggs are fully combined with the bananas, giving the loaf structure and moisture.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the Oats:
Once the oats have soaked and softened, add them to the banana mixture. Stir well to combine everything.
Add Dry Ingredients:
Next, incorporate 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder (or carob powder for a milder flavor), a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of baking powder into the mixture. Stir until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Fold in the Nuts:
Gently fold 40g of your choice of nuts into the batter. Nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans work well in this recipe, but feel free to choose your favorite.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Prepare the Loaf Pan:
Grease a loaf pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Pour the Batter:
Pour the prepared batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
Bake the Loaf:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The loaf should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 5: Decorate
Cool and Decorate:
Allow the loaf to cool completely before decorating. Once cooled, melt some sugar-free dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the loaf. This adds a decadent finish and makes the loaf extra special.
Cooking Tips
- Banana Ripeness: Ensure the bananas are very ripe, as they provide the necessary natural sweetness for this recipe.
- Vanilla Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the banana mixture.
- Nut-Free Version: To make this loaf nut-free, simply omit the nuts or substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Nutritional Benefits
- Oats: A great source of dietary fiber, oats help keep you feeling full longer and support digestion.
- Bananas: Naturally sweet, bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins, and provide natural sugars to keep the loaf moist.
- Cocoa Powder: Packed with antioxidants, cocoa powder helps boost your immune system and adds a rich, chocolatey flavor without sugar.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-free: Ensure that your oat flakes are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.
- Nut-free: This recipe can be made nut-free by omitting the nuts or replacing them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Dairy-free: Use a plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk to keep the recipe completely dairy-free.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep the loaf in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the loaf for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
This Sugar-Free Banana Oat Loaf with Cocoa is a delicious and nutritious treat that satisfies your sweet cravings while providing a host of health benefits. With its moist texture, rich cocoa flavor, and crunchy nuts, it makes a perfect snack or dessert. Plus, it’s versatile—enjoy it with a cup of tea, pair it with Greek yogurt, or simply savor it as is. Wholesome, easy to make, and sugar-free, this loaf is an excellent addition to your baking repertoire.