Dessert

Healthy Banana Bread Recipe

ByHarper Ellington December 26, 2025December 26, 2025

Introduction

This healthy banana bread is a wholesome twist on the classic treat, packed with oats, nuts, and natural sweetness from ripe bananas and maple syrup. It’s easy to make, nourishing, and perfect for breakfast or a snack.

A tall stack of seven rectangular slices of banana bread sits on a white marbled surface, showing a golden brown crust with visible soft yellow and light brown banana pieces baked into the top layer. A woman's hand is lifting the top slice, highlighting the bread’s moist texture inside and the caramelized banana stripes running vertically through each slice. The pieces are stacked unevenly, casting soft shadows and scattered crumbs around the base. The background is plain white, making the warm tones of the banana bread the focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
2 tsp baking powder
½ cup chopped walnuts
2 tbsp chia seeds
½ tsp ground cinnamon
3 ripe bananas
1 extra banana for garnish
1 egg or flax egg
4 tbsp melted coconut oil
2 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
½ cup almond milk
Dash of vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Mash the 3 ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add the egg (or flax egg), melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), almond milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until combined.
Step 4: Blend the rolled oats in a blender until they reach a flour-like consistency, then add to the bowl.
Step 5: Add the baking powder, chopped walnuts, chia seeds, and ground cinnamon to the bowl. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Pour the batter into a lined loaf pan. For garnish, slice the extra banana in half lengthwise and gently press the halves into the top of the batter.
Step 7: Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your oven. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Step 8: Let the banana bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it. Then transfer to a cooling rack and let it cool for an additional 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) instead of a regular egg.
You can swap walnuts for pecans or almonds depending on your preference.
Add a handful of dark chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor.
Use gluten-free oats if needed to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

How to Serve

A tall stack of banana bread slices is shown, with seven even rectangular layers standing upright on a white marbled surface. The banana bread is golden brown with visible caramelized banana slices baked on top, adding textured stripes of pale yellow and brown along each slice. A woman's hand is lifting the top layer, showing the soft crumb and moist texture inside. The edges are slightly crisp with crumbs scattered around the base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?

Yes, you can substitute rolled oats with 1½ cups of whole wheat or all-purpose flour. Adjust baking time slightly as needed.

How do I make a flax egg?

Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens to a gel-like consistency, then use it as an egg replacement.