Homemade Oatmeal Banana Bread – Healthy, Moist & Easy

Have you ever walked into a kitchen surrounded by the inviting aroma of freshly baked banana bread? It takes me back to my childhood, where the scent of warm banana bread wafted through the house, signaling that something delicious was about to happen. As a child, I couldn’t wait for that first slice, slathered with a bit of butter.

Today, I’m excited to share with you my Oatmeal Banana Bread recipe—a recipe that is not only simple and stress-free but also a nutritious choice for anyone looking to indulge their cravings. You don’t need to be a baking whiz to whip this up; I promise it’s totally doable, even if it’s your first time!

Why I Love This Recipe of Oatmeal Banana Bread

This oatmeal banana bread is special to me for several reasons. First, it embraces the natural sweetness of bananas while enhancing it with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and oat flour. This makes it a smart choice for health-conscious individuals, allowing you to treat yourself without the guilt.

For beginner cooks, this recipe is a dream come true. It offers an opportunity to master the basics of baking while providing a delicious payoff. The emotional benefits are undeniable; there’s something so comforting about filling your home with the smell of baked goods. It fosters a sense of warmth and cozy togetherness that’s hard to beat.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Oatmeal Banana Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious oatmeal banana bread. Let’s break it down into essentials, optional add-ons, and some substitutions and shortcuts you might find useful.

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Essentials

1. 3 Medium Ripe Bananas (about 1 cup + 2 tablespoons mashed): The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they’ll be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe.
2. ¼ Cup Coconut Oil (melted): This adds moisture and a hint of coconut flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute this with vegetable oil or melted butter.
3. ¼ Cup Coconut Sugar (or brown sugar/cane sugar): A natural sweetener that adds a nice caramel-like flavor to the bread.
4. ¼ Cup Pure Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness and keeps the bread moist while boosting the flavor.
5. 2 Eggs: These help bind the ingredients together. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can use flaxseed meal instead. Combine 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes, and then add it to the mixture.
6. ½ Cup Milk of Choice (room temperature): Use any milk you prefer—almond, soy, oat, or regular dairy milk works well.
7. 1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the flavor profile of your bread.

Dry Ingredients

1. 1 ¾ Cups Oat Flour: A gluten-free alternative that’s packed with nutrients. You can make your own oat flour by blending rolled oats until they’re a fine powder.
2. 1 ¼ Cups Rolled Oats: These will provide texture and chewiness to the bread.
3. 1 ½ Teaspoons Baking Powder: This helps the bread rise.
4. 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda: Works alongside the baking powder for extra lift.
5. 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon: The warm flavor of cinnamon pairs beautifully with bananas and makes the bread even cozier.

Optional Add-Ons

• ¾ Cup Vegan Chocolate Chips (or favorite add-ins): I love throwing in some chocolate chips for an extra treat. You can also add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits as alternatives.
• 1 Teaspoon Rolled Oats: For sprinkling on top of the loaf.
• 1-2 Teaspoons Vegan Chocolate Chips (for topping): For an enticing finish.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

• If you find yourself out of coconut oil, any neutral oil like sunflower or canola will work.
• Maple syrup can be substituted with agave nectar or honey (though honey is not vegan).
• If you don’t have oat flour, you can use whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour, but keep in mind this might change the texture slightly.
• For a shortcut, buy pre-made oat flour—many grocery stores carry it!

How to Make Oatmeal Banana Bread Step-by-Step

The process of making this oatmeal banana bread is straightforward and enjoyable. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions that will have your kitchen filled with that amazing aroma in no time.

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly.

2. Prepare Your Loaf Pan: Line an 8-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or greased foil. This will help your bread come out easily once it’s baked.

3. Mash the Bananas: Peel your ripe bananas and add them to a large mixing bowl. Using a sturdy whisk, fork, or pastry cutter—my preferred method—mash the bananas until they are smooth and creamy.

4. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Next, add the melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, maple syrup, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until well incorporated.

5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Now it’s time to add in the dry ingredients. Measure out the oat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these together until just mixed in, making sure there are no patches of flour remaining.

6. Fold in the Add-Ins: Gently fold in your vegan chocolate chips or any favorite add-ins. This adds a delightful surprise with every bite.

7. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Using a rubber spatula, smooth out the batter into a flat layer. For that classic loaf shape, shape the batter with a slight rise down the center.

8. Sprinkle Toppings: If you’re feeling fancy, you can sprinkle some rolled oats and a few extra chocolate chips on top. Lightly press them into the loaf to ensure they stick during baking.

9. Bake: Transfer the loaf pan to the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. I found that my loaf took about 65 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean-ish, with just a few moist crumbs attached.

10. Cooling: Once your bread is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about an hour. After that, lift the loaf out using the parchment paper and transfer it directly onto a cooling rack. Let it cool for an additional 1-2 hours to set before slicing.

11. Slice and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the loaf into 12-14 slices. Serve it warmed, at room temperature, or however you prefer!

Storing Instructions

Keep your oatmeal banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to preserve it for longer, slice and freeze the bread. Just make sure to separate the slices with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be a bit tricky, and there are a few common mistakes that can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some tips to help you avoid these pitfalls.

Overmixing the Batter

It’s crucial not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. The goal is to combine everything just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense bread instead of a light and fluffy texture.

Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately

Baking is a science, and even slight variations in measurements can affect the outcome. Use a kitchen scale for precision or make sure you’re using the proper measuring cups for liquid and dry ingredients.

Skipping the Cooling Time

I know it’s tempting to slice into that warm loaf as soon as it comes out of the oven, but giving it time to cool helps it set properly. When you skip this step, your slices might fall apart.

Not Testing for Doneness

To ensure your bread is fully cooked, always test it with a toothpick. If it’s underbaked, the center will be gooey. If it’s overbaked, you’ll end up with dry banana bread.

Serving Suggestions for Oatmeal Banana Bread

This oatmeal banana bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few delightful serving suggestions:

Classic with Butter

There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of oatmeal banana bread slathered with a little bit of butter. It melts beautifully into the warm bread, creating a comforting treat.

Toasted with Nut Butter

For a healthier twist, toast your slice and spread on almond butter or peanut butter. It adds a great layer of flavor and healthy fats, making it a perfect breakfast option.

Topped with Yogurt and Berries

Create a lovely breakfast bowl by toasting your banana bread and topping it with Greek yogurt and some fresh berries. The creaminess of the yogurt combined with the sweet fruit elevates your meal.

As a Dessert

This banana bread also shines as a dessert. Serve slices with a scoop of ice cream or dairy-free ice cream for a deliciously indulgent treat after dinner.

Nutritional Values of Oatmeal Banana Bread

Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional values of this oatmeal banana bread per slice, assuming you cut it into 14 pieces.

Caloric Breakdown

Each slice typically has around 150-180 calories, largely depending on the ingredients used and any possible add-ins. This makes it a lighter option compared to traditional banana breads.

Nutritional Highlights

This recipe is rich in fiber due to the oats and bananas, making it great for digestion. Each slice contains healthy fats from the coconut oil and protein from the eggs.

Sugar Content

With natural sugars coming from the bananas, maple syrup, and coconut sugar, you can feel good about the level of sweetness. It’s lower than many store-bought versions that are packed with refined sugars.

Customized Nutritional Benefits

By adding in nuts or seeds, you can enhance the protein and healthy fat content. It fits well into a balanced diet, offering a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Baking oatmeal banana bread is not as intimidating as it may seem. This cozy, classic recipe is easier than it looks and allows for plenty of customization to meet your tastes. Whether you enjoy it with butter, nut butter, or topped with yogurt, this bread serves as a wonderful treat or breakfast option.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find a new favorite in your kitchen repertoire. Don’t forget to share your results with loved ones; baking is always better with company!

If you enjoyed this recipe or have any variations you love, drop a note in the comments below!

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FAQs About Oatmeal Banana Bread

Enjoy your baking adventure! Each slice of this cozy Oatmeal Banana Bread brings a little warmth to your day. Happy baking!