Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe

Name: Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 eggs

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

This Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic treat while keeping it nutritious. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it's perfect for breakfast or a snack!

Created by

Summer Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-02T01:04:12.627Z

This Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe combines ripe bananas and oats for a moist, delicious bread that's easy to make. Perfect for using up overripe bananas!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Nutritious and wholesome ingredients for guilt-free indulgence
Moist texture with a hint of sweetness from ripe bananas
Easy to make and perfect for meal prep

      

Nutritional Benefits

This Healthy Banana Bread with Oats is more than just a delicious treat; it's packed with nutrients that support your overall health. The use of whole wheat flour and rolled oats provides a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full longer. Incorporating ripe bananas not only adds natural sweetness but also contributes essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium and vitamin C.

Additionally, this recipe utilizes unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for oil or butter, reducing the overall fat content while maintaining moisture. Honey or maple syrup offers a natural sweetening option without the refined sugars found in traditional recipes, making this banana bread a smarter choice for those looking to indulge without the guilt.

Perfect for Any Time

This banana bread is incredibly versatile, making it a perfect option for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Serve it warm with a smear of nut butter for a protein-packed breakfast, or enjoy it plain as a midday snack. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful afternoon treat.

If you're hosting a brunch or a gathering, this healthy banana bread can be sliced and served on a platter, impressing your guests with its wholesome ingredients and delicious flavor. It's a crowd-pleaser that everyone—adults and kids alike—will enjoy.

Meal Prep and Storage

One of the greatest advantages of this Healthy Banana Bread with Oats is that it can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for meal prep. Once baked, allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week, ensuring you have a nutritious snack ready to go.

For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the toaster for a warm treat.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs

Mix all the dry and wet ingredients together for a delightful banana bread batter.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice and enjoy your healthy banana bread!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Healthy Banana Bread experience, consider adding a handful of walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking. Nuts provide an additional crunch and healthy fats, while dark chocolate can satisfy your sweet tooth without overwhelming the recipe with sugar.

You can also experiment with toppings. A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, making it a more filling option. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries can bring a refreshing contrast and color to your plate.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize this banana bread recipe to suit your taste preferences. For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut or chopped pineapple to the mix. If you prefer a spicier flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon.

For a gluten-free option, substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the bread's structure.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce as an egg substitute.