Oatmeal Banana Bread: A Moist, Hearty Twist on a Classic

Oatmeal Banana Bread is a delicious and wholesome twist on the classic banana bread recipe. The addition of oats gives this bread a hearty, satisfying texture, while ripe bananas bring a natural sweetness and moisture that makes every bite melt in your mouth. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this banana bread is sure to become a family favorite.

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Number of Servings: 12 slices
• Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 14g

Dietary Notes:

• Vegetarian
• Can be made Gluten-Free (use certified gluten-free oats and flour)
• Dairy-Free (if using a plant-based milk and butter substitute)

Ingredients List

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (or maple syrup for a more natural option)
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional for extra flavor)

Detailed Method of Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
4. In another bowl, beat the eggs and add the sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
5. Fold the mashed bananas into the wet mixture, followed by the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined—be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
• For extra flavor and texture, add in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter.
• Substitute the sugar: If you’d like to reduce the sweetness, use 1/3 cup of honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Just be aware that this might make the bread a bit denser.
• For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
• Make it extra moist: If you want an even moister loaf, substitute the butter with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or yogurt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze Oatmeal Banana Bread?
Yes! You can freeze this bread for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds.

Can I use oat flour instead of regular flour?
Yes, you can use oat flour for a more oat-forward flavor and texture. However, the loaf may be slightly denser, so it’s recommended to combine it with some baking powder or baking soda for lift.

How do I know when my banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is done. If the toothpick is wet with batter, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking again.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them out and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

This Oatmeal Banana Bread is the perfect way to use up ripe bananas and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying treat. Its tender crumb, hearty oats, and rich banana flavor make it a fantastic breakfast, snack, or dessert option. So why wait? Get baking and enjoy a slice of this delicious homemade bread that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your stomach!