Healthy Banana Bread with Oat Flour

Today, I’ll show you how to make this delicious and healthy banana bread, using oat flour and no added sugars. It’s a perfect choice for breakfast, easy to prepare, and made with just a few ingredients. If you’re looking for a guilt-free treat to start your day, this recipe is for you. Follow along and let’s get started!

Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

  • Bananas: 3 ripe
  • Eggs: 2
  • Milk or Plant-Based Milk: ½ cup (120ml)
  • Oat Flour: 1½ cups (180g)
  • Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
  • Sweetener: Optional, such as honey, stevia, or date paste to taste

Directions:

  • Step 1: Mash the Bananas
    • In a large bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. If your bananas are not ripe, you can microwave them for 2-3 minutes or bake them at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes to soften and bring out their sweetness.
  • Step 2: Add Eggs
    • Add 2 eggs to the mashed bananas and mix well.
  • Step 3: Add Sweetener (Optional)
    • If you like, you can add a sweetener of your choice, such as honey, stevia, or date paste. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
  • Step 4: Add Milk
    • Add ½ cup (120ml) of milk or plant-based milk to the mixture and stir.
  • Step 5: Add Oat Flour and Baking Powder
    • Gradually mix in 1½ cups (180g) of oat flour. If you don’t have oat flour, you can make your own by blending rolled oats in a food processor until fine.
    • Add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and mix until everything is well combined.
  • Step 6: Prepare the Baking Pan
    • Grease a 22 cm (8.6 inches) baking pan with oil or line it with parchment paper. Pour the banana mixture into the pan.
  • Step 7: Bake
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Step 8: Cool and Serve
    • Once baked, allow the banana bread to cool before slicing. Serve and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

  1. Serve warm with a spread of peanut butter or almond butter.
  2. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a wholesome breakfast.
  3. Top with fresh fruits like berries or banana slices.
  4. Pair with yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a nutritious snack.
  5. Use the banana bread as a base for French toast for a special breakfast treat.

Cooking Tips:

  1. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, bake them in the oven or microwave to bring out their natural sweetness.
  2. You can add chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, or raisins for extra flavor and texture.
  3. If you prefer a denser banana bread, reduce the amount of baking powder by half.
  4. To make your own oat flour, simply blend rolled oats in a food processor until fine.
  5. Store leftover banana bread wrapped in foil or in an airtight container to keep it fresh for longer.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Bananas: Provide potassium, vitamin C, and natural sweetness.
  • Oat Flour: A good source of fiber and essential vitamins, making it a heart-healthy alternative to regular flour.
  • Eggs: High in protein and contribute to the structure of the bread.

Dietary Information:

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free oat flour.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk with almond, soy, or any plant-based milk.
  • Refined Sugar-Free: Sweeten naturally with the bananas or a natural sweetener of your choice.

Nutritional Facts (per slice):

  • Calories: 150
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g

Storage:

  • Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  1. Healthy Ingredients: Made with oat flour and no added sugar, this banana bread is both delicious and nutritious.
  2. Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe by adding nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips.
  3. Perfect for Any Time: It’s great for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
  4. Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, this recipe comes together in under an hour.
  5. Naturally Sweet: The bananas provide natural sweetness, making it a healthier alternative to traditional banana bread.

Conclusion:

This Healthy Banana Bread is not only simple to make but also a nutritious and delicious treat for the whole family. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as a snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit different dietary needs. I hope you give this recipe a try and love it as much as I do! Don’t forget to share your results and let me know what you think. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of oat flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture will be slightly different, and the bread may be denser.

2. How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk.

3. Can I add other ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, or any other mix-ins to customize the banana bread.

4. Can I make this banana bread in a microwave?
Yes, you can microwave the batter in a microwave-safe dish on high for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.

5. How do I store leftover banana bread?
Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.