Oatmeal Banana Bread is a delightful and nutritious twist on the classic banana bread recipe. By incorporating hearty oats into the mix, this version not only enhances the texture but also adds a boost of fiber and essential nutrients. Whether you’re craving a healthy breakfast or a satisfying snack, Oatmeal Banana Bread offers a perfect balance of sweetness and wholesomeness. The addition of oats provides a chewy, satisfying bite while complementing the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. This recipe is ideal for anyone looking to indulge in a flavorful treat without compromising on health benefits!
Oatmeal Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients for Oatmeal Banana Bread
To make this tasty Oatmeal Banana Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Wet Ingredients:
- Ripe Bananas (3 medium-sized)
- Ensure your bananas are overripe, with brown spots. This will provide the perfect sweetness and moisture for the bread.
- Eggs (2 large)
- Eggs help bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the bread.
- Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter (1/2 cup)
- You can use vegetable oil for a lighter texture, or melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- This enhances the overall flavor of the banana bread and complements the sweetness of the bananas.
- Milk (1/4 cup)
- You can use dairy or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Dry Ingredients:
- Rolled Oats (1 1/2 cups)
- The key ingredient for the oatmeal twist. Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant oats, for the best texture.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup)
- This forms the base of the bread, giving it structure. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- This is the leavening agent that helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
- A warm spice that pairs perfectly with the bananas and oats, adding a comforting aroma.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the flavors in the bread.
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1/2 cup)
- For a crunchy texture, add your favorite nuts. Walnuts or pecans are great choices but feel free to experiment with other options.
- Chocolate Chips (1/4 cup)
- If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, throw in some chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Chia Seeds or Flaxseeds (1 tablespoon)
- For an extra boost of fiber and omega-3s, add chia seeds or ground flaxseeds.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (1-2 tablespoons, optional)
- If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can add a little honey or maple syrup.
These ingredients come together to create a moist, hearty, and flavorful Oatmeal Banana Bread that’s perfect for breakfast or a midday snack!
Directions for Oatmeal Banana Bread
Follow these detailed steps to make your delicious and healthy Oatmeal Banana Bread:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
2. Mash the Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, peel and place 3 ripe bananas.
- Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until smooth. You can leave a few small chunks for texture if you prefer.
- Set aside for later.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- To the mashed bananas, add 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup milk.
- Whisk everything together until fully combined and smooth.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Stir the dry ingredients until they’re evenly distributed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture.
- Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense bread.
- If you’re adding optional ingredients like chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or seeds, fold them in now.
6. Pour the Batter into the Loaf Pan
- Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan.
- Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
7. Bake the Banana Bread
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Keep an eye on the bread in the final minutes of baking, as oven temperatures can vary. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
8. Cool the Bread
- Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Afterward, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps to keep the bread from getting soggy.
9. Slice and Serve
- Once cooled, slice the banana bread into generous portions.
- Serve as is, or with a spread of butter, peanut butter, or jam for an extra treat.
10. Store Leftovers
- If you have any leftover banana bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a zip-top bag for easy access.
Enjoy your wholesome and tasty Oatmeal Banana Bread! Whether you’re savoring it for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Oatmeal Banana Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 9x5-inch loaf pan for baking the banana bread.
- Mixing bowls one large bowl for the wet ingredients and another for the dry ingredients.
- Fork or Potato Masher to mash the bananas.
- Measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate amounts of flour, oats, spices, and other ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Ripe Bananas
- 1/2 cups Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl, then mix in eggs, oil, vanilla, and milk.
- In another bowl, combine oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, then add optional add-ins.
- Pour the batter into the pan, bake for 55-65 minutes, and cool before slicing.
Notes
- Banana Ripeness: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for mashing and give the bread natural sweetness without extra sugar.
- Consistency of Oats: Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats or instant oats. Rolled oats will provide the desired texture and chewiness in the bread.
- Baking Time: Ovens may vary, so start checking the bread after 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it's done. If not, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can make the bread dense and tough.
- Add-ins: Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite add-ins, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. If adding nuts, consider lightly toasting them for enhanced flavor.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. You can also freeze slices for up to 2-3 months.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and oil instead of dairy products.
- Sweetness Level: If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar slightly or add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the wet ingredients.
Tips for the Perfect Oatmeal Banana Bread
To make sure your Oatmeal Banana Bread turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
1. Use Overripe Bananas
- The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots, as they are the ideal consistency for mashing and provide the best natural sweetness.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
- Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. Overmixing can result in dense and heavy bread. Mix just until the flour is incorporated, and then stop.
3. Add Extra Moisture with Yogurt or Applesauce
- If you want an even moister loaf, consider adding 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce. These additions will keep the bread soft and tender.
4. Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
- For the best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than instant oats. Rolled oats provide a heartier and chewier texture, which complements the softness of the banana bread.
5. Customize the Sweetness
- If you like your bread sweeter, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the wet ingredients. You can also adjust the amount of sugar, depending on your taste preference.
6. Add More Flavor with Spices
- Beyond cinnamon, you can experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to add depth to the flavor of your banana bread. A pinch of vanilla extract also adds a wonderful aroma.
7. Incorporate Add-ins
- Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips are popular choices, but you can mix and match according to your preferences.
8. Check for Doneness with a Toothpick
- The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so make sure to check the bread with a toothpick or cake tester. Insert it into the center of the bread—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
9. Let It Cool Before Slicing
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, and then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bread set properly and prevents it from being too soft or mushy when sliced.
10. Freeze for Long-Term Storage
- If you have leftovers, you can freeze slices of banana bread. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a zip-top bag. To thaw, just leave at room temperature for a few hours, or warm up in the microwave for a few seconds.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Oatmeal Banana Bread is a delicious and satisfying treat, every single time!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Oatmeal Banana Bread is not only a delicious treat but also a healthy option that’s perfect for any time of day. With its combination of ripe bananas, wholesome oats, and optional add-ins, it offers a great balance of flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick breakfast or a midday snack, this bread provides the energy and satisfaction you need without compromising on taste. The recipe is easy to follow, and the result is a moist, tender loaf that you’ll want to make again and again. So, go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!
I’m Priscilla Swahn, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. With over a decade of experience in holistic nutrition, I specialize in creating delicious keto recipes to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On iKetoMom, you’ll find a variety of recipes for every meal—hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, mouthwatering dinners, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks. My recipes make keto living easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Featured in EatingWell and MindBodyGreen, I also collaborate with health centers and corporate companies to share my expertise. Join me and discover the joy of keto cooking!