Have you ever stepped into a cozy bakery, the kind that wraps you in warmth and transports you to a simpler time? That sweet smell of fresh-baked bread fills the air, and you find yourself smiling without even realizing it. That’s the feeling I chase whenever I bake, especially when it comes to my beloved 100% Millet Banana Bread.
There’s something magical about the combination of ripe bananas and wholesome millet—it reminds me of the quiet Sunday mornings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where comfort food came to life, one loaf at a time. If you’re wondering how to create that same nostalgia in your own home, I’ve got you covered. This recipe is not just nutritious and easy to follow; it’s also perfect for those venturing into the kitchen for the first time. You’ll find that making your own loaf of this delight is completely stress-free and totally doable.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe of 100% Millet Banana Bread (Oil-Free, Vegan, GF)
What makes this recipe so special to me? It’s more than just the taste. This 100% Millet Banana Bread is a celebration of health and simplicity. As someone who values nutrition, I love that this bread is oil-free, vegan, and gluten-free, making it accessible for everyone in my life.
For beginner cooks, this recipe is a piece of cake—or rather, a slice of bread! It’s straightforward and forgiving, which means you can focus on enjoying the process rather than stressing about perfect measurements. Plus, it offers the kind of warmth and comfort that’s just perfect for sharing. The process of mixing, pouring, and waiting for that tantalizing aroma to fill your kitchen will remind you that some of life’s best moments are homemade.
Ingredients You’ll Need for 100% Millet Banana Bread (Oil-Free, Vegan, GF)
Creating your 100% Millet Banana Bread is simple, but you’ll want to gather a few essential ingredients:
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100% Millet Banana Bread
This 100% Millet Banana Bread is oil-free, vegan, and gluten-free, offering a wholesome, hearty texture with naturally sweet, ripe bananas. Made entirely from millet and enriched with warm cinnamon, this bread is perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked millet
- 500 g mashed peeled very ripe bananas (about 2 cups)
- 1.25 cups water
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar (or maple syrup/agave)
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar (or other light vinegar)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup whole psyllium husks (not powder)
- 2 tsp baking powder (GF if needed)
- 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
Optional Add-Ons:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Flaxseeds or sunflower seeds
- Raisins or cranberries
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Avoid convection setting for best rise.
- Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease if desired.
- In a blender, combine millet, bananas, water, coconut sugar, vinegar, and vanilla. Blend until smooth.
- Pour mixture into a large bowl. Stir in psyllium husks, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Batter will thicken quickly.
- Transfer batter to prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake 80–90 minutes, until golden-brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool bread in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for best sweetness and texture.
- For sugar-free version, replace coconut sugar with applesauce or blended dates.
- Check baking powder is certified gluten-free if required.
- Do not slice while warm—bread will firm up as it cools.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 80–90 minutes
- Category: Bread, Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: millet banana bread, vegan gluten-free banana bread, oil free banana bread, healthy banana bread
Essentials
- 2 cups uncooked millet: A wholesome whole grain that’s gluten-free and serves as the base of our bread.
- 500 g mashed peeled very ripe bananas (about 2 cups): The riper, the better! Sweet, natural moisture comes from overripe bananas, making your bread moist and delicious.
- 1.25 cups water: Helps achieve the right consistency—too little will make your bread dry.
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar: A natural sweetener that adds a hint of caramel flavor. You can use alternatives like maple syrup or agave if desired.
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar or other light-colored vinegar: This adds a subtle tang and helps create the perfect rise.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: For a rounded flavor, enhancing the natural sweetness of the bananas.
- 1/3 cup whole psyllium husks (not powder): This is the secret ingredient that adds the amazing texture and helps the bread hold together.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (certified GF, as needed): Essential for leavening—make sure it’s gluten-free if you require it.
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: You need a bit of salt to enhance the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Another leavening agent that will help give your bread lift.
Optional Add-Ons
Feel free to customize your bread! Consider adding:
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Seeds: Flaxseeds or sunflower seeds for added nutrition.
- Dried fruits: Raisins or cranberries to introduce a chewy element.
- Chocolate chips: Because who doesn’t love a little chocolate?
Substitutions and Shortcuts
- If you are looking for a sugar alternative, you can replace coconut sugar with applesauce or mashed dates blended with the other liquids.
- For gluten sensitivity, make sure to double-check that your baking powder is gluten-free.
How to Make 100% Millet Banana Bread (Oil-Free, Vegan, GF) Step-by-Step
Now let’s get to the heart of it: making this delightful 100% Millet Banana Bread.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). It’s important to ensure that the oven is hot enough before you put the bread in. Also, avoid using the convection setting for this bread—trust me, you’ll want that classic rising effect without the fan interfering with the batter.
Step 2: Prepare the Loaf Pan
Line the sides of a 9×5-inch (22.5×12.5 cm) loaf baking pan. If you are okay with using a little oil, you might consider lightly greasing or spraying the pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
Step 3: Blend the Base Ingredients
In a blender, combine the uncooked millet, mashed bananas, water, coconut sugar, cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth. You might need to pause a couple of times to scrape down the sides for an even blend.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Pour the blended mixture into a large mixing bowl. Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients! Gently stir in the psyllium husks, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Be prepared; it will get thick very quickly as the psyllium absorbs moisture.
Step 5: Pour and Spread
Once blended, pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and to smooth out the top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 80 to 90 minutes. You want to watch for a golden-brown color while checking that a toothpick or tester inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached—a sure sign that your bread is done but perfectly moist.
Step 7: Cooling Time
After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit. Gently remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a rack before slicing into that delicious loaf.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping Ripe Bananas: Using unripe bananas might yield a loaf that’s lacking in sweetness and flavor. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even almost black.
Not Measuring Properly: Baking is a science, so don’t eyeball the ingredients. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure proper ratios.
Overmixing the Batter: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients, gently fold them into the wet mixture. Overmixing can lead to a denser bread.
Ignoring Cooling Time: It might be tempting to slice into the bread right after it comes out of the oven, but letting it cool completely allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to set. Your patience will be rewarded!
Serving Suggestions for 100% Millet Banana Bread (Oil-Free, Vegan, GF)
Now that your loaf is beautifully baked and cooled, how can you enjoy it? Let me share some delightful serving suggestions.
Simple Slices
The simplest and best way to enjoy your 100% Millet Banana Bread is with a simple slice, perhaps paired with a cup of your favorite herbal tea or a rich cup of coffee. The modest sweetness of the banana bread complements these beverages perfectly.
Toasted and Topped
For an extra treat, consider toasting individual slices and topping them with vegan butter, almond butter, or coconut yogurt. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few slices of fresh fruit to elevate the flavors.
Breakfast Sandwich
You can turn a slice of this bread into a breakfast sandwich. Layer with your favorite vegan cream cheese and add a fresh slice of tomato or avocado for a nutritious start to your day.
Dessert Delight
Need an easy dessert option? Serve warm slices with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top!
Nutritional Values of 100% Millet Banana Bread (Oil-Free, Vegan, GF)
What makes this bread not just tasty but also nutritious? Here’s a breakdown of the key nutritional elements you get from a slice of 100% Millet Banana Bread:
Whole Grains
Millet is a nutritious whole grain packed with fiber, which is fantastic for digestion and keeping you feeling satisfied.
Natural Sweetness
Using ripe bananas not only sweetens the bread but also provides essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.
Healthy Fats
Though the bread is oil-free, you can still add healthy fats by topping it with nut butters, which are rich in protein and good fats.
Low in Sugar
With just half a cup of coconut sugar, this recipe keeps the overall sugar content much lower than traditional banana bread, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Conclusion & Next Steps
I hope this recipe for 100% Millet Banana Bread has shown you that baking wholesome treats in your kitchen can be easier than it looks. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create something delicious, cozy, and quintessentially homemade.
Feel free to experiment with this recipe, customizing it to suit your taste and dietary needs—you’ll find it’s as flexible as it is comforting.
Ready to give it a go? Grab your ingredients and share your baking adventure with me in the comments below!
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FAQs About 100% Millet Banana Bread (Oil-Free, Vegan, GF)
Can I use other grains instead of millet for the banana bread?
While millet is the star ingredient, you can experiment with other gluten-free grains, but the texture might vary.
How should I store the leftover banana bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate for longer storage.
Is there a nut-free option for the banana bread?
Absolutely! Avoid nut toppings and stick with seeds or serve the bread plain for a safe, nut-free version.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes; you can freeze slices of the bread! Just ensure they’re wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
How can I tell if my banana bread is done?
Use a toothpick or tester to check; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is done and ready to cool!
Enjoy baking and savoring your creation! You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can come together to warm your heart and home.