Have you ever stared at a bunch of brown bananas on your kitchen counter? You know the ones. They are sitting there and getting softer by the minute. You might feel guilty about throwing them away. Well, I have good news for you. Those spotty fruits are actually gold dust for baking.
I want to share my favorite Easy Banana Bread Recipe with you today. This is not your typical baking project that requires three different bowls and a pile of measuring cups. This recipe changes the game entirely. You make the whole thing in a blender.
This is also a Healthy Banana Bread Recipe. We are skipping the refined flour and white sugar. Instead, we use hearty rolled oats and natural maple syrup. It is a wholesome twist on a classic comfort food. It tastes indulgent but fuels your body with good energy.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to fall in love with this recipe for so many reasons. First and foremost, it is incredibly fast. Most of us do not have hours to spend in the kitchen. We want homemade flavor without the hassle. This Easy Banana Bread Recipe delivers exactly that.
Another reason to love it is the cleanup. Since you mix the batter in a blender, you do not have a sink full of dirty mixing bowls. You just rinse the blender pitcher and you are done. That makes it a perfect Simple Banana Bread Recipe for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday mornings.
The texture is also something special. Using oats instead of flour gives the bread a dense and moist crumb. It is satisfying and hearty. You do not get that dry or crumbly texture that happens with some gluten free baked goods. It stays soft and delicious for days.
This is also a great way to use up produce. Ripe Banana Recipes are essential for reducing food waste. The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bread will be. You save money and get a tasty treat at the same time. It is a win for your wallet and your taste buds.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple pantry staples to make this Easy Banana Bread Recipe. You probably have most of them in your kitchen right now. Here is everything you need to get started.
- 2 cups rolled oats (ensure they are certified gluten free if you have an allergy)
- 4 large bananas (you need approximately 1 1/2 cups of mashed banana)
- 2 large eggs (these help bind the oats together)
- 6 tablespoons maple syrup (honey or agave nectar work well too)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (this gives the bread a nice rise)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (this is optional but highly recommended for a treat)
Let’s talk about the oats for a second. Old fashioned rolled oats work best here. They blend down into a nice coarse flour consistency. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but steel cut oats are too hard for this batter.
For the bananas, look for plenty of brown spots. If your bananas are purely yellow or green, they will not be sweet enough. Ripe Banana Recipes rely on that natural sugar development. The browner they are, the better the final flavor will be.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this bread is a breeze. The blender does all the heavy lifting for you. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect loaf.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 180C or 350F. Getting the oven hot before you start mixing is crucial for a good rise. Next, grease a loaf pan thoroughly. You can use cooking spray, butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Grab your high speed blender or food processor. Add the rolled oats, peeled bananas, eggs, maple syrup, and baking soda. Place the lid on securely. Blend everything on high until a smooth batter forms. You want the oats to break down completely so the batter looks creamy.
Step 3: Add Mix Ins
Once the batter is smooth, stop the blender. If you are using chocolate chips, pour them into the pitcher now. Do not blend them! Use a spatula to gently fold them through the batter by hand. This keeps the chips whole and creates nice pockets of chocolate.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter directly into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with your spatula. Place the pan in the hot oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You will know it is done when the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven. This part requires patience. Let the bread cool completely in the pan or on a wire rack before you try to slice it. If you slice it while it is hot, it might fall apart. Once cool, slice and enjoy your Healthy Banana Bread Recipe.
How To Store Leftovers
Storing this bread correctly is important because it is so moist. Unlike traditional flour bread, oatmeal banana bread has a higher moisture content. If you leave it on the counter for too long, it can spoil faster than you might expect.
For the best results, you should store the bread in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. You can eat it cold or warm it up in the microwave for ten seconds.
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Slice the entire loaf first. Place the slices in a ziplock bag or a freezer safe container. You can store them in the freezer for up to six months. When you want a snack, just grab a slice and toast it.
Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your Easy Banana Bread Recipe turns out perfectly every single time. First, let’s talk about the blender. If you do not have a high speed blender, your batter might be a little gritty. That is okay. It will still taste great, but the texture will be more rustic.
Make sure you measure your bananas correctly. Bananas vary wildly in size. If you use four massive bananas, your batter might be too wet. Aim for about one and a half cups of mashed fruit. If you have extra banana left over, you can freeze it for smoothies later.
Do not skip the cooling step. I know it is tempting to eat warm bread straight from the oven. However, oatmeal bread needs time to set as it cools. The structure firms up as the temperature drops. If you cut it too early, you might end up with a mushy mess.
Feel free to get creative with add ins. While chocolate chips are a crowd favorite, walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch. You could also add dried cranberries or raisins. This Simple Banana Bread Recipe is very versatile and handles mix ins very well.
If the top of your bread is browning too quickly but the center is still raw, do not panic. Just cover the top loosely with a piece of aluminum foil. This protects the crust while allowing the inside to finish baking.
Conclusion
This Easy Banana Bread Recipe proves that healthy eating does not have to be complicated or boring. You get all the comfort of a traditional slice of cake with none of the refined flour or sugar. It is soft, sweet, and incredibly satisfying.
Whether you need a quick breakfast on the go or a wholesome snack for the kids, this recipe fits the bill. It is one of those Ripe Banana Recipes that you will come back to again and again. The blender method makes it so accessible for everyone.
I really hope you give this Healthy Banana Bread Recipe a try. It is amazing how simple ingredients like oats and eggs can transform into something so delicious. Next time you see those spotted bananas, you know exactly what to do.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can adapt this Simple Banana Bread Recipe. You can replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix two tablespoons of ground flaxseed with six tablespoons of water and let it sit for five minutes. It might be slightly denser but still tasty.
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
You can use instant oats if that is all you have. Since you are blending them into flour anyway, the difference is minimal. Just measure them carefully. Do not use steel cut oats as they are too hard for this batter.
Why is my banana bread mushy in the middle?
This usually happens if the bananas were too large or the bread did not bake long enough. Oatmeal bread retains more moisture than flour bread. Ensure you bake it until a skewer is clean and let it cool completely to set.
Is this recipe gluten free?
This recipe is naturally flourless. However, oats can be cross contaminated during processing. To ensure it is 100% gluten free, you must buy oats that are specifically labeled and certified as gluten free.
Easy Blender Banana Bread
This easy, healthy banana bread recipe comes together quickly in a blender, using rolled oats and maple syrup for a wholesome, comforting treat. Perfect for using ripe bananas.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180C (350F). Getting the oven hot before you start mixing is crucial for a good rise. Next, grease a loaf pan thoroughly. You can use cooking spray, butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Grab your high speed blender or food processor. Add the rolled oats, peeled bananas, eggs, maple syrup, and baking soda. Place the lid on securely. Blend everything on high until a smooth batter forms. You want the oats to break down completely so the batter looks creamy.
- Once the batter is smooth, stop the blender. If you are using chocolate chips, pour them into the pitcher now. Do not blend them! Use a spatula to gently fold them through the batter by hand. This keeps the chips whole and creates nice pockets of chocolate.
- Pour the batter directly into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with your spatula. Place the pan in the hot oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You will know it is done when the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. If the top of your bread is browning too quickly but the center is still raw, cover the top loosely with a piece of aluminum foil.
- Remove the bread from the oven. This part requires patience. Let the bread cool completely in the pan or on a wire rack before you try to slice it. If you slice it while it is hot, it might fall apart. Once cool, slice and enjoy your Healthy Banana Bread Recipe.
Notes
Old fashioned rolled oats work best here. They blend down into a nice coarse flour consistency. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but steel cut oats are too hard for this batter.
For the bananas, look for plenty of brown spots. If your bananas are purely yellow or green, they will not be sweet enough. Ripe banana recipes rely on that natural sugar development. The browner they are, the better the final flavor will be.
Make sure you measure your bananas correctly. Bananas vary wildly in size. If you use four massive bananas, your batter might be too wet. Aim for about one and a half cups of mashed fruit. If you have extra banana left over, you can freeze it for smoothies later.
Do not skip the cooling step. Oatmeal bread needs time to set as it cools. The structure firms up as the temperature drops. If you cut it too early, you might end up with a mushy mess.
Feel free to get creative with add ins. While chocolate chips are a crowd favorite, walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch. You could also add dried cranberries or raisins. This recipe is very versatile and handles mix ins very well.
For the best results, you should store the bread in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Slice the entire loaf first. Place the slices in a ziplock bag or a freezer safe container. You can store them in the freezer for up to six months.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
