Banana Oat Bread Recipe

Here’s a delicious and easy way to use up those bananas in the freezer—this banana oat bread recipe is something to make in batches for breakfast or snacks.

Not only is it a way to use those frozen bananas but adding oats gives the bread a lovely texture and a little extra heartiness.

When I make this banana oat bread recipe, I like to wait until I have lots of frozen bananas. I’ll usually make it when there’s enough to make a few batches because this recipe freezes perfectly.

This banana oat bread is a combination of sweet and wholesome, and there is no refined sugar in it. This recipe uses pure maple syrup. Let’s dive into the recipe and get baking!

Banana Oat Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a healthier twist on banana bread, this recipe is for you! Made with natural maple syrup for sweetness and olive oil for a touch of healthy fats. It’s my favorite recipe that I’ve been making for over 20 years.

Ingredients For Banana Oat Bread

This recipe will make one large loaf. Use the recipe app below for larger batches. It will do all of the calculations for you.

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup room temperature butter

3/4 cup maple syrup

1 large egg

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 tsp real vanilla

1 tsp Celtic sea salt

4 frozen bananas thawed to room temperature

Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 tsp baking soda

Recipe Steps For Banana Oat Bread

Take out your frozen bananas ahead of time so that they are at room temperature for the best baking results.

Preheat your oven to 375°F

Step 1: Cream together the butter and maple syrup. I like to drizzle in the maple syrup a bit at a time so that it mixes into the butter easily.

Step 2: Add in the eggs, olive oil, vanilla, sea salt and bananas. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated. It may look separated and that is totally ok.

Step 3: In a separate bowl mix together the dry ingredients.

Sep 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just mixed. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Put the batter into a greased bread pan and bake for about 40 minutes, checking on it after about 30 minutes.

Variations & Add ins

1. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips for a sweet and indulgent twist. The richness of the chocolate pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the bananas.

2. Nutty Banana Bread

Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to give your banana bread a crunchy texture and a dose of healthy fats. The nuts also add a wonderful, earthy flavor.

3. Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Mix 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon with 1/4 cup of sugar, and swirl it through the batter before baking. This adds a warm, spicy sweetness to every bite.

4. Banana Bread with Dried Fruit

For a fruity variation, stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots. These add extra sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the bananas.

5. Banana Bread with Coconut

Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flair. It adds a subtle sweetness and an interesting texture to the bread.

FAQ For Banana Oat Bread

1. Can I use fresh bananas for banana bread?

Yes, fresh bananas work for banana bread. Just be aware that they will need to be squished down quite a bit or you will have large pockets of banana’s. It’s best to use frozen and thawed bananas for the best texture.

2. Can I substitute maple syrup with another sweetener?

You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup, but the flavor will change slightly. Natural maple syrup adds a unique richness to the banana bread.

3. Can I use a different oil instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil, coconut oil, or even avocado oil in place of olive oil. Each will offer a slightly different texture and flavor, but they all work well in the recipe.

4. How do I store banana bread?

Store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it or freeze for up to 4 months in a freezer safe container.

5. Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or even apples. Just make sure to chop them up into small pieces so they mix well into the batter. Freeze dried fruits can also be added to this recipe.

6. Can I freeze banana bread?

Yes, you can freeze banana bread! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper then place it in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 4 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours or heat individual slices in the microwave.

Thanks so much for reading! I hope you enjoy making this oat banana bread as much as I do. If you give it a try, let me know how it turned out in the comments. Did you stick to the recipe or make your own fun alterations? I’d love to hear about it! Happy baking!