Who knew that a healthy and delicious treat could be as easy as our 4 ingredient oat banana bread recipe? This whole-food recipe turns simple ingredients into a delightful snack, breakfast addition, or healthy dessert. You can add any textures or flavors you want like dark chocolate chips, crushed walnuts, or pecans. It's super simple, and we're excited to show you how.
Using clean and wholesome ingredients, this 4 ingredient vegan banana bread is a testament to the joy of healthy eating. Our kids love bananas, but they seem to ripen faster than we can eat them.
That's why turning them into banana bread has become a family favorite! We always have organic gluten-free sprouted rolled oats on hand, especially after making our overnight oats or chia banana boost smoothie. So, why not use some extra in another super easy recipe? My family is loving it!
All of the ingredients in this homemade banana bread are healthy, and it's ready in just 30 minutes or less. Sprouted oats and maple syrup are high vibrational superfoods and perfect additions to a diet that excludes processed food.
After some trial and error, we've found the perfect balance of bananas, oats, and maple syrup, making it incredibly easy to make. Plus, it's eggless and flourless, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan! You won't even miss your original quick bread recipe!
We always suggest taking a moment to set healthy intentions before starting. For more insights, check out our free guide to using intentions and affirmations!
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Ingredients
Bananas: Overripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, perfect for baking.
Hint: If you don't have ripe bananas you can roast them in the oven for 20 minutes. just roast your bananas in the peel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper at 300 degrees F after poking a few holes in the banana. Wait until it cools to peel and scoop into the mixer. Roasting the bananas also adds a rich caramelized flavor.
Sprouted Gluten-Free Oats: These rolled oats are a fantastic alternative to regular flour, making the bread gluten-free and more digestible. Sprouted oats enhance nutrient availability too. It is important to opt for organic oats and oats that are. Non-organic oats have high levels of glysophate.
Baking Powder (Aluminum-Free): Choosing aluminum-free baking powder is a better option. It helps your bread rise beautifully without adding unnecessary and potentially harmful ingredients.
Pure Maple Syrup: Go for pure maple syrup instead of artificial varieties. We love maple syrup for its incredible antioxidant content!
Optional - Organic Dark Chocolate Chips or Nuts: Adding these is a great way to enhance flavor. Make sure they're organic, especially the dark chocolate chips for that antioxidant boost.
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare: First, get your oven up to 350°F (175°C) - room temperature won't do for this! Line or grease a 5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out easily. This step is crucial for the best results.
Blend Ingredients: In your blender or food processor, combine the wet ingredients - overripe bananas and pure maple syrup - with the dry ingredients - oats and baking powder. Blend until you get a smooth banana bread batter. It helps to have a food processor or blender for this step to ensure even blending.
Transfer & Fold in Extras: Pour your batter into a large mixing bowl. If you're adding nuts or chocolate chips, now’s the time to gently fold them into the mixture with a rubber spatula. This ensures an even layer of extras throughout your bread.
Bake: Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan. Smooth it out for an even bake. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The key here is to bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean for the best texture. The edges should be lightly golden brown.
Cool & Serve: After baking, let your bread cool in the pan before transferring it to a cooling rack or serving plate. This step is important as it helps the bread set properly. Slice it up and enjoy your healthy, homemade treat!
Hint: For a slight crunch and extra flavor, sprinkle a few nuts or oats on top of the loaf before baking. This adds a lovely texture to your banana oat bread and makes it look as great as it tastes!
Substitutions and Variations
Sweetener Swap: Lower the sugar by using monk fruit or coconut sugar instead of maple for the sweetener.
Oat Flour Instead: Replace sprouted oats with oat flour to maintain the gluten-free goodness.
Nut Butter Addition: Mix in almond butter or natural peanut butter for a creamy texture, reminiscent of cookie dough.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma and flavor.
Sunflower Seed Butter: A nut-free alternative that's allergy-friendly.
Cake or Cookie Mix Transformation: Adjust the baking time to make a cake or banana bread cookie recipe.
Muffin Variation: Pour into a muffin tin for quick, portable treats.
Spices & Extras: Enhance with Ceylon cinnamon, chocolate chips, or nuts.
Storage
To keep your Sprouted Oat Banana Bread fresh, let it cool to room temperature before storing.
Wrap it tightly in beeswax wrap, a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap, and then place it in an airtight container.
This bread can be stored at room temperature if eaten within a few days or refrigerated for up to a week.
For longer storage, freeze the bread; it keeps well for up to 3 months.
Slicing before freezing makes it easy to enjoy a piece at a time. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it slightly for that just-baked taste.
Top tip
For the best banana flavor and natural sweetness in your banana oat bread, always use overripe bananas. The more speckled and brown, the better. These bananas are not only easier to mash but also richer in taste, elevating the overall flavor of your bread. However, if you don't have overripe bananas on hand, you can quickly ripen them by roasting them in the oven. Place unpeeled bananas on a cookie sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) until the skins turn black. This stimulates the ripening process, ensuring your bread is moist, sweet, and full of delicious banana goodness!
FAQ
Sprouted oat bread is made from oats that have been sprouted, meaning they've been allowed to germinate. This process enhances the nutrient profile of the oats, making them easier to digest. The bread is typically denser and more flavorful than traditional wheat bread, and it's a popular choice for those looking for a wholesome, gluten-free option.
Yes, oat bread can be beneficial for gut health. Oats are a good source of soluble fiber, which aids digestion and helps promote a healthy gut microbiome. The fiber in oats also helps to keep you feeling full longer, which can aid in weight management.
Oat bread can turn out sticky if there's too much moisture in the batter. This can happen if the bananas used are overly ripe or if the batter is overmixed. To avoid this, measure ingredients carefully and mix just until combined.
Avoid using underripe bananas for banana bread. They are harder to mash, and their starch hasn't fully converted to sugar, so they won't add the right sweetness or texture to your bread.
Overripe bananas, which are soft and sweet, are the best choice.
If the bananas have an off-putting smell or have been sitting out for too long they may be slightly too ripe. There seems to be a fine line here so use your discretion.
Banana bread can become dry if it's overbaked or if there aren't enough moist ingredients like bananas or maple syrup. To prevent dryness, ensure you're using enough bananas, check your oven temperature is accurate, and keep an eye on the baking time.
The main difference is in the processing. Regular oats are harvested and then processed, which may involve steaming and rolling.
Sprouted oats, on the other hand, are allowed to germinate before processing. This sprouting process can increase the availability of certain nutrients and make them easier to digest than regular oats.
More Dessert Recipes
Looking for other dessert recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
4 Ingredient Sprouted Oat Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups Sprouted Rolled Oats (gluten-free if preferred)
- 4 medium Ripe Bananas -
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder - aluminum-free
- 2 TB Maple Syrup
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup Organic nuts or dark chocolate chips - optional
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease a loaf pan.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, mix bananas, sprouted oats, baking powder, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Transfer & Fold in Extras: Pour the batter into a large bowl. If adding nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the mixture with a spoon or spatula.
- Bake: Transfer the batter to the pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan before moving it to a wire rack or serving plate. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
We'd love to hear how it turns out for you. Did you try any of the variations or come up with your own unique version? Please share your experiences and any delicious modifications in the comments.
Also, don't forget to share your banana bread creations on social media. Tag us @mindfullyhealthymama on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, and @mindfullyhealthyliving on Facebook. We can't wait to see your mouth-watering photos and hear your stories.
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Happy baking, everyone!
Be well,
Natalie
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
I love this bread. It's sweet enough to be a breakfast pastry, dense enough to have as toast even as a snack. It's wonderfully flavorful - not to mention, good for your body!
Natalie Perry says
so happy to hear! You are so right!
Claudia Ciorteanu says
This 4 Ingredient Sprouted Oat Banana Bread sounds and looks healthy and delicious. I am planing to bake it this weekend, my family will love it.
Natalie Perry says
Let us know how you enjoy it!
Andréa says
Who doesn't like banana bread. And now it can be made dairy free and gluten-free too! So great!
Natalie Perry says
I have always loved banana bread!
DK says
Who knew banana bread with sprouted oats could be so tasty! And with only 4 ingredients it was so simple to make!
Natalie Perry says
Awesome!