Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Enjoy a slice of this Healthy Banana Bread with Oats, a nutritious and delicious treat perfect for breakfast or a snack.
This Healthy Banana Bread with Oats is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients. Made with ripe bananas and oats, it offers a wholesome alternative to traditional banana bread. Enjoy it warm with a smear of nut butter or on its own!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Moist and delicious with a hint of cinnamon
- Packed with fiber from oats and bananas
- Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack
A Healthy Twist on a Classic
Banana bread is a beloved classic that many of us grew up with. However, traditional recipes can often be laden with sugar and unhealthy fats. This Healthy Banana Bread with Oats provides a nutritious alternative without sacrificing taste. By incorporating rolled oats and Greek yogurt, this recipe not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the fiber content, making it a healthier option for you and your family.
The key ingredients in this recipe work together to create a moist and flavorful loaf. Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, while oats contribute a satisfying texture that will keep you full longer. The addition of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, making this banana bread an excellent choice for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon snack.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast on a busy morning or a wholesome snack to enjoy during the day, this Healthy Banana Bread with Oats fits the bill perfectly. It’s easy to make ahead of time, and a slice or two can be kept on hand for when cravings strike. The hint of cinnamon adds a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes, making it a delightful treat for family gatherings or brunch with friends.
This banana bread is also versatile! Feel free to customize it by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to suit your preferences. Each variation can bring a new twist to this already delicious recipe, ensuring you'll never tire of it. Plus, it makes for a thoughtful homemade gift for neighbors or loved ones.
Storing and Freezing Tips
One of the best things about banana bread is how well it stores. Once cooled, you can keep it wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you'd like to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing individual slices. Simply wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice of banana bread whenever the craving hits!
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen banana bread, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds for a quick warm-up. This makes it a convenient option for those busy days when you need a quick bite that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, honey, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Benefits of Oats
Oats are a powerhouse ingredient in this healthy banana bread. They are rich in dietary fiber, particularly beta-glucans, which can help lower cholesterol and promote heart health. Including oats in your diet can also help regulate blood sugar levels, making this banana bread a great option for those looking to maintain steady energy throughout the day.
In addition to fiber, oats provide essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients contribute to overall health and well-being, making your banana bread not just a tasty treat but a beneficial addition to your diet.
Why Choose Greek Yogurt?
Greek yogurt is a fantastic ingredient that enhances the overall nutritional profile of your banana bread. It adds moisture, creaminess, and a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the bananas perfectly. Rich in protein, Greek yogurt helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, making it an excellent choice for those watching their weight.
Moreover, Greek yogurt is packed with probiotics, which support gut health. A healthy gut contributes to better digestion and can even impact mood and energy levels. By using Greek yogurt in your banana bread, you're not just making a delicious treat but also nourishing your body.
Baking Tips for Success
To ensure your Healthy Banana Bread with Oats turns out perfectly, make sure to use ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots on the peel, as this indicates they’re at their peak sweetness.
Additionally, avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of a light and fluffy loaf. Stir until just combined for the best results. Lastly, keep an eye on your bread as it bakes; every oven is different, and you may need to adjust the baking time slightly to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw the frozen bananas and mash them before using.
→ How can I make this recipe vegan?
Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs and substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt.
→ Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Fold in 1/2 cup of nuts or chocolate chips before baking for added texture.
→ How should I store banana bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe
Enjoy a slice of this Healthy Banana Bread with Oats, a nutritious and delicious treat perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Created by: Callie Morgan
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
For the Banana Bread
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, honey, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g