Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

This Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe is a nutritious twist on a classic favorite. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it's perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Adeline Morris

Created by

Adeline Morris

Last updated on 2025-12-28T21:13:12.706Z

This Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the heartiness of oats. It's a great way to use up overripe bananas and is an excellent source of fiber.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Moist and flavorful with a hint of natural sweetness
  • Packed with fiber and nutrients from oats and bananas
  • Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep

Nutritional Benefits of Banana Bread

Banana bread is not only a delightful treat but also offers a range of health benefits. The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and are rich in potassium, which is essential for heart health and muscle function. Additionally, bananas contain dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.

By incorporating oats into this banana bread recipe, you increase the fiber content significantly. Oats are known for their ability to lower cholesterol levels and stabilize blood sugar, making this bread a heart-healthy option. The whole wheat flour also contributes to the overall nutrition, providing essential B vitamins and minerals.

This healthy banana bread can be enjoyed guilt-free, knowing that it supports your dietary goals. It's a delicious way to fuel your day, whether as a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best features of this healthy banana bread is its ease of preparation, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep. You can bake a loaf at the start of the week and have a nutritious snack or breakfast option ready to go. Simply slice and store in an airtight container for freshness.

Not only does this banana bread save you time during busy mornings, but it also encourages healthier eating habits. When you have a wholesome snack on hand, you're less likely to reach for sugary alternatives. Pair a slice with nut butter or yogurt for a balanced meal that fuels your day.

For those who love to experiment, this recipe is highly customizable. You can add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to enhance the flavor and nutrition, making it easy to switch things up based on what you have available.

Storing and Freezing Tips

To ensure your healthy banana bread stays fresh, it's crucial to store it properly. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a particularly humid environment, consider refrigerating the bread to prevent mold growth. However, be aware that refrigeration may alter the texture slightly.

If you want to enjoy your banana bread for a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy homemade healthy banana bread anytime you crave a wholesome treat, reducing food waste and maximizing your meal prep efforts.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Mix all the ingredients well before transferring to a baking pan.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the bread 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 at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

This healthy banana bread is delicious on its own, but it can be enhanced with various toppings. Try spreading a layer of almond butter or peanut butter for a protein boost. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also add extra flavor without compromising its healthy profile.

For a wholesome breakfast, serve a slice of banana bread alongside Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. This combination provides a well-rounded meal with proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, keeping you satisfied until lunchtime.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider turning your banana bread into French toast! Just slice the bread, dip it in an egg mixture, and cook it on a skillet for a delectable breakfast twist.

Why Choose Whole Ingredients?

Choosing whole ingredients for this banana bread recipe is not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice that promotes better health. Whole foods are less processed and retain more nutrients compared to their refined counterparts. By using whole wheat flour and rolled oats, you nourish your body with essential vitamins and minerals.

Using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar can also make a significant difference in your health. These sweeteners provide additional nutrients and have a lower glycemic index, making them a better choice for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Ultimately, opting for whole ingredients allows you to control what goes into your food, helping you make healthier choices for yourself and your family.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free blend.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as an egg substitute in this recipe.

Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe

This Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe is a nutritious twist on a classic favorite. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it's perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration50 minutes
Overall Time65 minutes

Created by: Adeline Morris

Recipe Type: Healthy & Light

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 1 loaf

What You'll Need

For the Banana Bread

  1. 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  2. 1 cup rolled oats
  3. 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  4. 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  5. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  6. 2 large eggs
  7. 1 tsp baking soda
  8. 1/2 tsp salt
  9. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  10. 1/2 tsp cinnamon

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 04

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 06

Let the bread 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: 180 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 4g