Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe

Name: Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas; 1/3 cup melted coconut oil; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 1/2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup whole wheat flour

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

This Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, making it a guilt-free treat for any time of day.

Created by

Sabrina Holt

Last updated on 2025-12-28T17:16:17.358Z

This banana bread is not only healthy but also incredibly moist and flavorful. The addition of oats gives it a hearty texture, making it perfect for breakfast or a snack.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Wholesome ingredients that nourish your body
Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas
Great for breakfast or an afternoon snack

      

A Healthier Twist on a Classic

Banana bread is a beloved comfort food that many enjoy, but it often comes with added sugars and unhealthy fats. This Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe offers a wholesome alternative, using ripe bananas to naturally sweeten the bread. By incorporating oats and whole wheat flour, each slice is packed with fiber, making it a satisfying option that keeps you full longer. Plus, the use of coconut oil adds healthy fats that contribute to a balanced diet.

Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, this banana bread is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it plain, spread with a little nut butter, or topped with fresh fruit. It's also an excellent way to use up overripe bananas that you might otherwise toss out. With this recipe in your repertoire, you can feel good about sharing a slice with family and friends.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread

To ensure your banana bread turns out perfectly every time, it's important to choose the right bananas. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even mostly brown, as these will provide the best flavor and sweetness. The riper the bananas, the more natural sweetness they bring to the recipe. If you're in a hurry, you can also speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature.

Another tip is to avoid overmixing the batter. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough loaf, which is not what we're aiming for. Gently folding the ingredients will help maintain the banana bread's light and fluffy texture. Lastly, don't forget to let your bread cool completely before slicing; this will improve its texture and flavor.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mash the Bananas

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.

Mix Wet Ingredients

Add melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and mix well.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

Pour into Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

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

Storage and Freezing Tips

To keep your Healthy Banana Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just remember to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Simply wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This allows you to enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes.

When you're ready to enjoy a frozen slice, simply let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up. This way, you can have a nutritious snack or breakfast option on hand without any fuss.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about banana bread is its versatility. Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Add a handful of chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence, or fold in some nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. You can also experiment with spices; a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can elevate the flavor profile and add warmth to the bread.

If you're looking to make it even healthier, consider substituting some of the whole wheat flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option. You can also replace the honey or maple syrup with a sugar-free sweetener if you prefer a lower-calorie version. The possibilities are endless, so don't hesitate to get creative in the kitchen!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for the whole wheat flour.

→ How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be very ripe with lots of brown spots for the best flavor.

→ Can I store the banana bread?

Yes, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.