We have all been there. You buy a bunch of bananas with great intentions. You plan to eat them as snacks throughout the week. Then life happens.
Suddenly, you see a pile of brown and spotted fruit on the counter. Do not throw them away. This is actually a good thing.
Those overripe bananas are the start of something amazing. They are sweet and soft. They are ready to be transformed into a delicious breakfast treat.
Most traditional recipes are basically cake. They are full of refined sugar and white flour. That is delicious, but it can lead to a sugar crash later.
I wanted something different. I needed a Banana Bread Recipe Healthy enough for breakfast but sweet enough to feel like a treat. This recipe is the answer.
It uses wholesome ingredients like rolled oats and whole wheat flour. It swaps refined sugar for honey or maple syrup. You get a robust flavor without the guilt.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to adore this loaf for so many reasons. First, the texture is incredible. We toast the oats before adding them to the batter.
This simple step adds a nutty crunch and deep flavor. It prevents the oats from getting soggy or disappearing into the bread. It makes every bite interesting.
It is also a Healthier Banana Bread option for families. You know exactly what is going into the mix. There are no preservatives or strange additives here.
This is also a fantastic Easy Healthy Banana Bread to make with kids. The steps are simple. Mashing bananas is always a fun job for little hands.
Another big plus is how filling it is. Thanks to the fiber from the oats and wheat flour, one slice keeps you full. It is satisfying fuel.
This Banana Bread Recipe Healthy is also very adaptable. You can freeze it for later. It makes meal prepping for the week a breeze.
Ingredients
Let us talk about what goes into this bowl. We focus on nutrient dense ingredients. Each item plays a specific role in flavor and structure.
You probably have most of these items in your pantry already. If not, they are easy to find at any grocery store.
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats plus 1 tablespoon for sprinkling on top (do not use instant oatmeal; quick oats will work in a pinch)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
- 2/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Using old fashioned oats is important. They hold their shape better during baking. Instant oats can turn into mush. We want that nice chewy texture.
Whole wheat flour adds a nutty taste. It complements the oats beautifully. It also boosts the fiber content compared to white flour.
The Greek yogurt is a secret weapon. It keeps the bread moist without needing excessive oil. It also reacts with the baking soda for a good rise.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this bread is a relaxing process. It fills your kitchen with warm aromas. Follow these steps for the best results.
Step 1: Toast The Oats
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spread 1 1/2 cups of oats on a rimmed baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer.
Place the sheet in the oven. Toast the oats for 8 to 10 minutes. You want them very light golden and fragrant.
Stir them once halfway through. This ensures they toast evenly. Do not skip this step. It adds so much flavor to your Banana Bread Recipe Healthy.
Set the oats aside to cool. While they cool, prepare your pan. Line a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Let two sides overhang like handles. This makes removing the bread easier later. Lightly mist the pan with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium mixing bowl. Whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Add the cinnamon and salt.
Stir in the cooled toasted oats. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures the spices are evenly distributed. It prevents clumps of cinnamon or soda.
Set this bowl aside for a moment. We will move on to the wet ingredients now.
Step 3: Mash And Mix Wet Ingredients
Mash the bananas in the bottom of a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or a potato masher. Double check that you have 1 1/2 cups.
Consistency matters here. Whisk in the honey or maple syrup. Add the melted butter, milk, and Greek yogurt. Whisk until smooth.
If the cold ingredients make the butter solidify, do not worry. Warm the bowl in the microwave for 10 seconds. Whisk again until melted.
One at a time, whisk in the eggs. Finally, whisk in the vanilla extract. The mixture should smell amazing already.
Step 4: Combine The Batter
Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Switch to a rubber spatula for this part. Stir very slowly and gently.
Stop stirring as soon as the flour disappears. Overmixing causes tough bread. We want a tender crumb for this Banana Bread Recipe Healthy.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with your spatula so it is even. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of oats on top.
Step 5: Bake And Cover
Place the pan in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, loosely cover the pan with foil.
Make sure the foil shields both ends of the pan. Honey browns faster than sugar. The corners can get dark if not protected.
Continue baking for 35 to 45 additional minutes. The total time is usually 65 to 75 minutes. Every oven is a little different.
Test for doneness with a small knife. Insert it into the center. It should come out without wet batter clinging to it.
You can also use an instant read thermometer. The center should reach between 200 and 210 degrees F. This guarantees it is cooked through.
Step 6: Cool And Serve
Place the pan on a wire rack. Let the bread cool inside the pan for 1 hour. This resting time is crucial.
It helps the structure set. If you slice it too hot, it might crumble. Patience is key here.
Lift the bread out using the parchment handles. Set it on the rack to finish cooling completely. Now you can slice and enjoy!
How To Store Leftovers
Proper storage keeps this bread moist for days. You do not want it to dry out. Here is the best way to keep it fresh.
Once the bread is fully cooled, find an airtight container. Line the bottom with a paper towel. Place the bread inside.
Lay another paper towel over the top of the bread. This absorbs excess moisture. It prevents the top from getting sticky.
Seal the container tight. Keep it at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
You can also freeze this Banana Bread Recipe Healthy. Place slices in a freezer safe container. It freezes well for up to 3 months.
Tips
Use very ripe bananas. They should have plenty of brown spots. The darker the peel, the sweeter the fruit inside.
This natural sweetness is vital for a Low Sugar Banana Bread. It reduces the need for added sweeteners. Green bananas just will not work here.
Do not skip the foil tenting step. Honey caramelizes quickly. If you leave it uncovered, the top might burn before the center cooks.
Measure your flour correctly. Spoon it into the cup and level it off. Scooping directly can pack too much flour into the cup.
Toast the oats carefully. Watch them so they do not burn. That toasted flavor is the hallmark of this Banana Bread Recipe Healthy.
If you want to add mix ins, go ahead. Chopped walnuts or pecans are great additions. You can fold them in with the dry ingredients.
Conclusion
This is truly a Banana Bread Recipe Healthy eaters will appreciate. It balances nutrition with comfort. It proves that wholesome food can taste amazing.
The combination of toasted oats and honey is delightful. It feels indulgent but fuels your body right. It is a great way to start the day.
Next time you see spotted bananas, you know what to do. Skip the sugary cake recipes. Make something that serves your health goals.
Give this Banana Bread Recipe Healthy a try this week. Your kitchen will smell wonderful. Your family will thank you for the tasty snack.
FAQ
Here are some common questions about this recipe. I want to make sure your baking experience is smooth and successful.
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, you can make this gluten free. Use certified gluten free rolled oats. Swap the whole wheat flour for a 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend.
Is This A Low Sugar Banana Bread?
Yes, this counts as a Low Sugar Banana Bread compared to standard recipes. It uses natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of refined white sugar.
Can I Use Instant Oats?
It is not recommended. Instant oats are too fine and can become gummy. Old fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture. Quick oats work in a pinch.
Can I Use Oil Instead Of Butter?
You can substitute the melted butter. Coconut oil or a light vegetable oil works well. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be moist.
Healthy Banana Bread with Toasted Oats
This healthy banana bread recipe uses wholesome ingredients like rolled oats and whole wheat flour, swapping refined sugar for honey or maple syrup. It’s a delicious and satisfying treat perfect for breakfast, balancing nutrition with comforting flavors.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast Oats: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread 1 1/2 cups oats on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Toast for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway, until light golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for handles. Lightly mist with nonstick spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir in the cooled toasted oats. Set aside.
- Mash & Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash 1 1/2 cups of very ripe bananas. Use a fork or a potato masher. Whisk in honey or maple syrup, melted unsalted butter, milk, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, eggs (one at a time), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Using a rubber spatula, stir slowly and gently just until the flour disappears to avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oats. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Cover & Continue Baking: After 30 minutes, loosely cover the pan with foil to shield the ends. Continue baking for 35-45 additional minutes (total 65-75 minutes), or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, or an instant-read thermometer reads 200-210°F.
- Cool & Serve: Place the pan on a wire rack and cool for 1 hour. Lift the bread out using the parchment handles and cool completely on the rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
For proper storage, ensure the bread is fully cooled. Store in an airtight container lined with paper towels (top and bottom) at room temperature for up to 1 week.
This banana bread freezes well for up to 3 months when stored in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Always use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for natural sweetness, which is crucial for a low-sugar recipe.
Do not skip tenting the loaf with foil during baking, as honey caramelizes quickly and can cause the top to burn.
Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly.
Toast the oats carefully and watch them to prevent burning, as their fragrant flavor is key.
Optional additions like chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded in with the dry ingredients.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
