Description

This healthy banana bread recipe is a nutritious twist on the classic treat, featuring rolled oats, chia seeds, and walnuts for added texture and health benefits. Sweetened naturally with ripe bananas and a touch of maple syrup or honey, it’s a wholesome snack or breakfast option perfect for a comforting yet guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
2 tsp baking powder
½ cup chopped walnuts
2 tbsp chia seeds
½ tsp ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

3 ripe bananas
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

Garnish

1 extra banana

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking the banana bread.
Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg or flax egg, melted coconut oil, maple syrup or honey, almond milk, and a dash of vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until well combined.
Make Oat Flour: Place the rolled oats into a blender and blend until you achieve a fine, oat flour-like consistency. Then add this oat flour to the wet mixture.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the baking powder, chopped walnuts, chia seeds, and ground cinnamon to the bowl. Mix all ingredients well to ensure an even batter.
Prepare for Baking: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly. Slice the extra banana lengthwise and gently press it on top of the batter for garnish.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your oven’s strength. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Cool and Serve: Let the banana bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes after baking, then transfer it to a cooling rack and allow it to cool for another 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

You can substitute the egg with a flax egg for a vegan option.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey used.
Ensure bananas are very ripe for optimal sweetness and moisture.
If you prefer nut-free, omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds of your choice.
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 to 60 minutes
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: healthy banana bread, oat flour banana bread, gluten free banana bread alternative, vegan banana bread option, wholesome breakfast, easy banana bread recipe