Easy Oatmeal Banana Bread Recipe

I love making my Oatmeal Banana Bread using rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and ripe bananas alongside applesauce and honey. The blend delivers a unique, chewy texture with every slice. I find this healthy twist on a classic treat both satisfying and refreshingly different for any time of day.

I recently discovered an easy oatmeal banana bread recipe thats become one of my favorites. I love that it uses oats along with whole wheat flour and a little bit of all-purpose flour to give it a unique twist as a banana oat bread.

Using 3 very ripe bananas, a couple of eggs, unsweetened applesauce and honey makes it perfectly moist and full of flavor. I also mix in a bit of baking soda, baking powder, salt and ground cinnamon to really boost the taste.

What impressed me most was how the oats replace most of the flour in this healthy banana bread recipe, making it a low cal banana bread option thats so easy its bananas. I like to toss in a few walnuts for extra crunch which makes it all the more satisfying.

Give it a try if you want a tasty, healthy twist on a classic banana bread recipe that defies expectations.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really dig this recipe because it reminds me that I can enjoy a treat thats both tasty and somewhat healthy. First, I love the burst of banana flavor in every bite; even when I’m just making it as a quick snack, the ripe bananas totally shine through. Second, the chewiness provided by the oats and whole wheat makes it feel hearty and satisfying, which is awesome when I’m craving something more filling. Third, I appreciate how simple it is to throw together – even on those days when my energy is low, the recipe almost practically makes itself. Last, I like that I can mix in nuts for that extra crunch if I feel like switching things up; it keeps the whole experience fun and versatile.

Ingredients

• Old fashioned rolled oats add hearty fiber and chewier texture that helps keep ya full.
• Ripe bananas give natural sweetness, potassium and moist texture making the bread delicious.
• Honey naturally sweetens, adds moisture and enhances flavor while keeping things healthier.
• Whole wheat flour provides extra fiber and nutrients that make the bread more nutritious.
• Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture, lowers fat content, and binds ingredients together.
• Optional walnuts offer healthy fats and crunch to contrast the soft bread texture.
• Ground cinnamon adds warm spice flavor that perfectly compliments the sweetness of bananas.
• Eggs help bind ingredients and add protein making the loaf more robust.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 very ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup lowfat milk (or your preferred milk alternative)
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.

3. In another bowl, mash the bananas until smooth (about 1 1/2 cups mashed if they’re really ripe).

4. Beat the eggs lightly then add them to the mashed bananas along with the unsweetened applesauce, honey, vanilla extract, and lowfat milk. Mix until well combined.

5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined – don’t over mix.

6. If you want to add some crunch, fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans at this point.

7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.

8. Place the pan in the oven and bake for around 50-60 minutes. Start checking at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, it’s done.

9. Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

10. Allow it to cool completely, slice it up, and enjoy your healthy, chewy banana bread treat!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated at 350°F)
2. 9×5-inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper or greased
3. Two mixing bowls (one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients)
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. A fork or potato masher for mashing bananas
6. A whisk or mixing spoon for beating eggs and stirring
7. A spatula to fold ingredients and smooth the batter in the pan
8. A toothpick for checking if the bread is done
9. A wire cooling rack to let the bread cool before slicing

FAQ

Easy Oatmeal Banana Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have old fashioned rolled oats, you can swap in quick oats though the texture might be a bit finer.
• If you’re out of whole wheat flour, try using spelt flour or even a mix of extra all-purpose flour and a wholegrain version for a similar taste.
• No unsweetened applesauce? You can use pureed pumpkin instead, which will still keep things moist and add a subtle flavor.
• Instead of honey, feel free to use maple syrup or agave nectar for natural sweetness.
• If you dont have lowfat milk, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or even coconut milk depending on what flavor you like best.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your bananas are really ripe – the riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will turn out, so dont hesitate to use those brown spots on the peel.

2. Be careful not to overmix the batter when you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a tougher bread even if you like it chewy, so just stir until everything is just combined.

3. If you’re adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, fold them in gently at the end. This way, they stay crunchy and don’t break down too much into the batter.

4. To avoid overbaking, start checking your bread a few minutes earlier than recommended. Using a toothpick to see if it comes out clean is a good trick to ensure your banana bread stays moist.