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, mashed; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 cup whole wheat flour

Highlighted under: Fresh Kitchen Favorites

This Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe is a wholesome twist on a classic favorite, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2025-12-30T00:58:16.671Z

Baking banana bread has never been so healthy! This recipe incorporates oats, making it a nutritious option that retains the deliciousness of traditional banana bread.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Moist and flavorful with ripe bananas
Packed with fiber from oats for a healthy boost
Perfectly sweetened with natural ingredients

A Healthier Take on a Classic

Banana bread has long been a beloved staple in many households, often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a satisfying snack. This Healthy Banana Bread with Oats Recipe offers a nutritious twist while still retaining the moist and flavorful essence that makes banana bread so irresistible. By incorporating oats and whole wheat flour, this recipe not only enhances the texture but also boosts the fiber content, making it a more wholesome choice for any time of day.

Using ripe bananas adds natural sweetness and moisture, allowing us to use less added sugar. The combination of honey or maple syrup with applesauce and Greek yogurt not only keeps the bread moist but also infuses it with rich flavors without compromising health. Whether you're starting your day or looking for a midday pick-me-up, this banana bread stands out as a deliciously healthy option.

Perfect for Meal Prep

What makes this banana bread even more appealing is its suitability for meal prep. You can easily bake a loaf at the beginning of the week and enjoy slices throughout the days ahead. It’s an excellent way to ensure you have a healthy, homemade snack readily available, which can help curb cravings for less nutritious options. Simply slice the bread and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or freeze individual slices for longer storage.

This recipe also allows for customization; feel free to add nuts, seeds, or even dark chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor. Each variation can provide a delightful surprise while still keeping the nutritious benefits intact. Enjoying a slice of this banana bread becomes not just a treat, but a smart choice for your health goals.

Why Oats?

Oats are a fantastic ingredient to incorporate into your baking, particularly in recipes like this banana bread. They are not only a good source of fiber but also help to keep you feeling fuller for longer. The soluble fiber in oats can aid in digestion and contribute to heart health by lowering cholesterol levels. By including oats, you're turning a classic indulgence into a heart-healthy option that you can feel good about.

Additionally, oats provide a unique texture that complements the softness of ripe bananas perfectly. They lend a subtle nutty flavor and can help enhance the overall structure of the bread, ensuring it doesn’t crumble apart. This wholesome ingredient is truly a powerhouse in this recipe, making it a delightful choice for both health and taste.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup whole wheat flour

Mix all ingredients thoroughly for a consistent batter.

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 (or maple syrup), applesauce, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine and Pour

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven 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, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your healthy banana bread as a delicious breakfast or snack!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

Storing Your Banana Bread

To keep your Healthy Banana Bread with Oats fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. If you plan to consume the bread within a few days, simply wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor without drying it out.

For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes, simply by thawing it at room temperature or warming it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Serving Suggestions

This Healthy Banana Bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings. For a nutritious breakfast, spread a thin layer of almond butter or peanut butter on a slice. Add banana slices on top for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. You can also enjoy it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chia seeds for a balanced snack.

Additionally, consider serving this banana bread with a side of fresh fruit or a light drizzle of honey for added sweetness. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up, this healthy twist on banana bread is sure to impress your family and friends.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins! Chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch, while dark chocolate chips can satisfy a sweet tooth without overwhelming the healthy aspects of the bread.

You can also try substituting the whole wheat flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version, or add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm, aromatic flavor. Each variation can bring a new twist to a classic recipe, allowing you to enjoy this healthy banana bread in different ways.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

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

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

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

→ Is this banana bread gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.