This is the best oat flour banana bread recipe ever – so good that you can’t tell it’s healthy! It’s super moist, fluffy, soft, and made in one bowl—the easiest gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free banana bread.
The best banana bread made with oat flour
I love banana bread! It’s a classic recipe that will NEVER get old. From classic banana bread to chocolate zucchini banana bread to these fun banana crumb muffins. Banana bread flavor baked goods are irresponsibly delicious!
Anyway, this oat flour banana bread is probably the best banana bread I have ever made. I am not exaggerating. It’s so soft, fluffy, moist, and delicious. I love baking with oat flour because it’s the perfect healthy alternative to all-purpose flour; check this viral oat flour pumpkin bread recipe out!
I gave a slice to my boyfriend, who has celiac and he said it was the best gluten-free banana bread he has ever had. My friend Sam, who runs her own food blog, Quarter Soul Crisis, said this was one of the best banana bread recipes she has ever eaten. The first thing she said was, “Wow, this banana bread is soooooooo good!”
This banana bread is easy to make in one bowl with healthy ingredients like homemade or store-bought oat flour, coconut oil, coconut sugar, maple syrup, eggs, cinnamon, and a few others. These ingredients make this banana bread healthy, whole grain, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. It’s so good that you cannot tell it’s healthy! I cannot wait to hear what you think.
Why you’ll love this healthy recipe:
- Fuffy & Moist: The fluffiest and softest banana bread in the world!
- Quick & Easy: This oat flour banana bread is so easy to make in one bowl.
- Naturally Sweetened: There are NO refined sugars in this banana bread.
- Oat Flour: There are no refined flours, either. This banana bread is made gluten-free with oat flour.
- Secretly Healthy: Trust me, no one can tell this banana bread is healthy!
- Kid-Approved: A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy, making it an ideal family treat.
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Oat flour makes it naturally gluten-free, catering to those with dietary restrictions.
- Try this healthy blueberry banana bread or these banana oatmeal muffins next!
Ingredients needed
This oat flour banana bread calls for simple and healthy ingredients. You need oat flour, eggs, spotty bananas, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and a few other ingredients. This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Eggs: Provide structure and protein to the banana bread.
- Bananas: Pick super brown and spotty bananas for the sweetest flavor. They add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Coconut Oil: Instead of butter, we use coconut oil to make this banana bread extra moist and also dairy-free.
- Maple Syrup: I love baking with maple syrup because it is refined sugar-free!
- Coconut Sugar: Provides sweetness and a hint of caramel. Plus, it is refined-sugar-free!
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.
- Oat Flour: Offers a nutritious, gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour. You can use store-bought oat flour or make a homemade version by blending rolled oats.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Leavening agents to help the banana bread rise. You need both, trust me!
- Salt: Balances flavors and adds the perfect sweet and salty combination.
- Cinnamon: For the classic banana bread flavor!
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Optional for a delightful touch. I love using mini chocolate chips because they are so cute!
Kitchen tools needed
Here is a list of kitchen utensils you will need to make this easy and healthy banana bread recipe.
- Oven
- 9×5-inch Loaf Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Whisk
- 2 Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
How to make oat flour banana bread
This healthy oat flour banana bread recipe is so easy to make. It is extra fluffy, moist, and so soft. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level bake can make it. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card.
Step 1:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and lining a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, mashed banana, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract.
Step 3:
In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: oat flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon.
Step 4:
Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Mix the two using a rubber spatula until there are no visible traces of flour. Mix in chocolate chips or walnuts, if desired.
Step 5:
Let the batter sit for 5 minutes – oat flour needs time to soak up the wet ingredients. This is SO IMPORTANT!
Step 6:
Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Top with mini chocolate chips and/or walnuts.
Step 7:
Finally, bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. If it is browning too quickly, place an aluminum foil cover on top after 35 minutes. The banana bread is done when there’s a nice crack in the middle and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Mine took about 54 minutes, so keep an eye on it.
Expert recipe and baking tips
- Use extra spotty, brown bananas: Make sure your bananas are ripe, spotty, and brown. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
- Let the Batter Sit: Allowing the batter to rest for 5 minutes is crucial. This lets the oat flour absorb moisture, resulting in a thicker texture that mimics all-purpose flour but with a healthier profile.
- Watch for Over-Browning: If your banana bread is browning too quickly on top, cover it loosely with aluminum foil after about 35 minutes of baking. This ensures even baking and prevents excessive browning, allowing the center to cook thoroughly.
- Note on Banana Bread Color: Don’t be alarmed if your banana bread appears darker than traditional recipes. The use of both coconut sugar and maple syrup contributes to the richer color.
- Homemade Oat Flour: If you prefer homemade oat flour, simply grind rolled oats in a food processor until they reach a flour-like consistency.
- Monitor baking time: Baking times can vary, and it’s essential to ensure it’s not overbaked. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Customize with mix-ins: Get creative with mix-ins. I love mini chocolate chips and walnuts, but you can use pecans, almonds, raisins, shredded coconut, diced apple, and the list keeps going.
Banana bread variations
Here are some delicious flavor variations and mix-ins to elevate your single-serve banana bread:
- Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup chocolate chips.
- Nutty: Mix in ½ cup chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
- Cinnamon Streusel Banana Bread: Top the batter with a streusel made of ¼ cup coconut sugar, ¼ cup oat flour, 1 – 2 Tbsp of coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Blueberry: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Create a cinnamon-sugar swirl.
- Coconut: Add ⅓ cup of shredded coconut.
- Banana Pumpkin: Instead of cinnamon, use pumpkin pie spice.
- Maple Pecan: Use maple syrup and add ½ cup chopped pecans.
- Chai Spice: Use chai spices instead of cinnamon.
- Apple Cinnamon: Add in ½ cup of diced or shredded apple. Make sure you pat all the moisture out of the apples or they will sink.
- Carrot Cake: Add ½ cup of grated carrots, ¼ cup of raisins, and ½ tsp of nutmeg.
- Espresso Walnut Banana Bread: Infuse the batter with 2 tablespoons of espresso and fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts.
Easy ingredient substitutions:
Here is a list of the best ingredient substitutions for this oat flour banana bread. I only recommend swapping 1 – 2 ingredients, so the original recipe doesn’t completely change.
- Oat Flour: If you don’t have oat flour, make your own by blending rolled or quick oats at a high speed until it is a flour-like consistency.
- Coconut Oil: You can use melted butter, vegan butter, or a natural vegetable oil.
- Maple Syrup: Feel free to use honey, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or any liquid sweetener you prefer as a substitute for maple syrup.
- Coconut Sugar: Swap the coconut sugar with light or dark brown sugar.
- Eggs: To make this recipe vegan, mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 5 tablespoons of water to make two flax or chia eggs. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Use regular-sized ones or swap them out for chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade oat flour?
Absolutley! This is a cheaper way to enjoy this delicious banana bread. To make homemade oat flour, blend 3–4 cups of old-fashioned or quick oats in a high-speed blender for 30–90 seconds until it reaches a flour-like consistency. Ensure a smooth texture, and measure for your recipe by spooning into a cup and leveling with a knife.
Why did my oat flour banana bread turn out dry?
Overmixing the batter or overbaking can lead to a dry texture. Ensure you follow the recommended baking time and avoid overmixing once wet and dry ingredients are combined.
Why did my oat flour banana bread turn out gummy?
Your oat flour banana bread may have turned out gummy for two reasons: (1) overmixing the batter, or (2) the banana bread is underbaked. Ensure the bread is thoroughly baked and cooled properly to prevent a dense, gummy texture.
Why does the batter need to sit for 5 minutes before baking?
Letting the batter sit for 5 minutes allows the oat flour to absorb moisture and thicken, creating a texture similar to all-purpose flour but with a healthier twist.
What does oat flour taste like?
Oat flour has a mild, slightly nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. I have found that it is not overpowering, and this recipe still tastes like classic banana bread.
What makes oat flour banana bread healthier?
Oat flour adds whole-grain goodness, fiber, and important nutrients to the banana bread, making it a healthier option compared to using refined all-purpose flour.
Is oat flour banana bread gluten-free?
Yes, oat flour banana bread is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oat flour.
Can I substitute oat flour for all-purpose flour in any banana bread recipe?
In most cases, yes. However, given the other ingredients, the banana bread may turn out dry. If you absolutely must substitute the oat flour, I would start with 1 and 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour and check to see if the batter is the correct consistency. Look at the pictures.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to oat flour banana bread?
Absolutely! Add nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to customize your banana bread. Adjust quantities according to your taste.
Can you freeze oat flour banana bread?
Yes, oat flour banana bread can be frozen. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
How to store and reheat banana bread:
Storing: To store banana bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Reheating: When reheating, microwave individual slices for a few seconds or warm slices in a toaster or oven for a few minutes until they’re heated through and enjoyable.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Chocolate Zucchini Banana Bread
- Single Serve Banana Bread
- Dairy Free Banana Bread
- Healthy Blueberry Banana Bread
- Banana Oatmeal Muffins
- Almond Flour Banana Muffins
- Oat Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Oat Flour Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup mashed banana, (extra spotty, brown), about 2 or 3 bananas
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups oat flour, 240g, spooned & leveled
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¾ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, mashed banana, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: oat flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Mix the two together using a rubber spatula until there are no visible traces of flour. Mix in chocolate chips or walnuts, if desired.
- Let the batter sit for 5 minutes – oat flour needs time to soak up the wet ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Top with mini chocolate chips and/or walnuts.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. If it is browning too quickly, place an aluminum foil cover on top after 35 minutes. The banana bread is done when there's a nice crack in the middle and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Mine took about 54 minutes, so keep an eye on it.
- Enjoy your homemade oat flour banana bread!
Notes
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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Julie says
What can I use in place of maple syrup
Tati Chermayeff says
honey!