Healthy Oatmeal Banana Bread

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5 from 2144 votes
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This oatmeal banana bread is a healthy twist on the classic quick bread! No flour and no refined sugar needed, it’s made with just 5 ingredients and uses just a blender! 

healthy oatmeal banana bread

Healthy Oatmeal Banana Bread

When it comes to healthy recipes using oats, my favorites to make are pancakes, muffins, and this oatmeal banana bread. 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been making significantly healthier choices. I’ve noticed over the past couple of months that my energy levels have been fluctuating considerably each day. When analyzing my food intake, I’ve noticed that my intake of refined sugars and flour had been higher than normal. 

I tend to have a very clean and balanced diet. My breakfasts are often a smoothie or overnight oats, and both my lunches and dinners always contain some form of vegetables (unless I’m enjoying some lasagna). As a snacker, I always have either some homemade protein bars on hand or some energy balls. However, with all the baking I’ve been doing recently, I’ve found myself switching my usual breakfasts for something of the sweeter variety.

My usual breakfasts had been replaced with either some banana bread or zucchini bread. Both wholesome and healthy in my books but upon closer inspection, considerably more wheat and sugar than I’d typically have. No wonder I’d been suffering from mid-morning crashes. As a way to rectify this, I’ve made some smart swaps, and recently, been loving this super healthy banana bread.

I’ve been meaning to share this healthy oatmeal banana bread recipe for quite some time. It uses wholesome and healthy ingredients and uses just 5 ingredients. No refined sugar and no flour needed, but you’d never tell. The texture is dense, slightly moist, and with a tender crumb. It’s naturally sweet but not too sweet, making it perfect for a healthy dessert or even for breakfast.

While this bread isn’t like your traditional moist and fluffy banana bread, it’s hearty and sweet enough to satisfy your baked good cravings, minus the sugar crash!

How do you make oatmeal banana bread? 

The Ingredients

  • Rolled oats– Either original rolled oats or gluten free oats. 
  • Banana– Overripe bananas are best, as they blend much easier and have a sweeter flavor. 
  • Maple syrup– Adds sweetness to the bread, and also gives it some moisture. You can also use honey or agave nectar. 
  • Eggs– Room temperature eggs. 
  • Baking soda- Gives the bread some rise and fluffiness. 
  • Chocolate chips– optional, but highly recommended. 

The Instructions

In a high speed blender or food processor, add all your ingredients and blend until a smooth and pourable batter remains. If your batter is too thick, you can add some almond or oat milk to loosen it. Next, fold through your chocolate chips, if using them.

Now, transfer into a greased loaf pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer comes out mostly clean. Let the bread cool in the pan completely, before slicing it up.

oatmeal banana bread

Tips to make the best 5 ingredient banana bread

  • Do not overbake the bread. As this recipe uses oatmeal instead of flour, it is prone to drying out very easily.
  • While milk isn’t included in the ingredient list, you may need to add some of it if your batter is too thick (this is due to not using enough banana). Alternatively, you can add an extra banana or two.
  • This bread is not overly sweet, relying on the banana and maple syrup for sweetness. If you’d like a sweeter bread, add 1/4 cup of your favorite granulated sweetener or sugar.

Storing and freezing healthy banana oat bread

  • To store: Oatmeal banana bread should always be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 1 week. 
  • To freeze: Place slices of the bread in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. 
banana oat bread

More healthy recipes to try

healthy oatmeal banana bread

Healthy Oatmeal Banana Bread

5 from 2144 votes
This healthy oatmeal banana bread is made with just 5 ingredients and needs just a blender to whip up! No flour and no refined sugar, it's perfect for breakfast or a wholesome dessert!
Servings: 12 Slices
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 40 minutes

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Grease a loaf pan and set aside.
  • In a high speed blender or food processor, add all your ingredients and blend until a smooth batter remains. Fold through the chocolate chips, if using them.
  • Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer comes out mostly clean.
  • Remove the bread from the oven and let cool completely, before slicing.

Notes

TO STORE: Oatmeal banana bread should always be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 1 week. 
TO FREEZE: Place slices of the bread in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. 
Recipe loosely adapted from here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSodium: 119mgPotassium: 245mgFiber: 3gVitamin A: 74IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 23g
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This recipe is “Pregnancy craving” perfection! So simple to make, yet incredibly satisfying. A healthy and delicious treat. 5 stars!

  2. 5 stars
    I just made your recipe. I used half the amounts. I should have used two bananas, but I used three. I am glad I did. It is very moist (wet) and eats almost like a pudding. Thank you 4 the recipe.

  3. 5 stars
    Just the perfect recipe! Thank you so much! Everyone loved the bread. It was moist and sweetness was just perfect!

  4. 5 stars
    This is the only banana bread I make now. I don’t put the maple syrup, and instead opt for 1/3 cup of brown sugar. I also put some vanilla in. It’s fantastic. I like to really let it set up, because it tends to be a little gooey in the middle. But honestly, that’s the best part. I like to let it get smooth in the blender, and then fold the chips in with another small handful of oats for texture. Just perfect. My whole family is crazy about it. From my husband, to my 19 year old step son, my toddler and my 7 month baby who is weening. Even my ultra picky health nut 69 year old dad. This is a crowd pleaser and so easy.

  5. 5 stars
    What an “AWESOME” banana bread. most I’ve tried, came out dry. The oatmeal, and bananas makes it very healthy and moist. Love it! Thank you for a great receipt.

  6. 5 stars
    (If you don’t have a blender, read my method below) Great recipe! I have a great banana bread recipe, but it uses flour and I was looking for something healthier. This turned our moist and delicious! I only used 4 T of agave and it was sweet enough. Next time, I will add a little salt too. I don’t have a blender so here is what I did: In a very small food processor, I pulsed half of the oats until they were a fine texture. Then, I processed the other half of the oats to medium texture. I smushed the bananas in a bowl with a fork and added the rest of the ingredients. Then I used a hand mixer to combine well.

  7. 5 stars
    Amazing!!!
    We did a second one with crushed pineapple, shredded coconut and a little chickpea flour to bring the consistency right. Topped with lemon Yogourt icing made with 2 tb coconut sugar, vanilla and squeezed lemon juice. Incredible! Everybody said it was the best dessert they’d ever had!

  8. 5 stars
    Just WOW I was skeptical when read this recipe but I tried it and as a diabetic it is the best ever! I will be sharing this recipe with friends.

  9. 5 stars
    This recipe is soooooooo so good! I’ve made many other recipes of banana bread before and this one is by far the best! So simple yet so tasty. The only struggle is to stop eating it 😋

  10. 5 stars
    Omg! I tried recipe with my own tweaks. I added cinnamon and vanilla, I didn’t use as much maple syrup. I didn’t blend the oats 😅 didn’t have a blender… staying at a cousins house. I also used almonds instead of walnuts 🥲 didn’t have walnuts with me. It came out pretty yummy. Can’t wait to try it blended!!!

  11. 5 stars
    This banana bread brings compliments! Somehow easy, delicious, AND healthier than standard banana bread. Highly recommend!

  12. 5 stars
    Loved the use of 4 bananas…no flour … and maple syrup!! I was skeptical but it was fantastic!!
    Simplicity and nutrition wrapped up in great tasting breakfast ‘bread’ … that doesn’t taste like “cake”!
    PS I aded walnuts instead of choc chips!

  13. 5 stars
    I’ve made this recipe twice now and it is my “go to” recipe for an easy and delicious banana bread. I only had 2 bananas so I added a 3.2 oz pouch of unsweetened applesauce in lieu of the 2 additional bananas. I also reduced the sweetener (agave syrup) to 1/4 cup as a personal preference. The second time that I made it I also added a shredded carrot and some chopped walnuts. Both versions were moist and delicious and I feel comfortable giving it to my 19 month old granddaughter, knowing that it is both nutritious and healthy for her.

  14. 5 stars
    This is my favorite banana bread recipe because the ingredients are so healthy I don’t feel guilty making it. I actually left out the maple syrup and used extra bananas. I added chia seeds as well as the suggested chocolate chips. Do freaking good!

  15. 5 stars
    Love the healthy recipe, thanks! It looks like it will be dry, but it’s not! Also, added walnuts and raisins instead of chocolate chips and it’s absolutely perfect and even healthier!

  16. 5 stars
    Delicious, very moist banana bread. I added 1tsp cinnamon and 1tsp vanilla extract for a little more flavor.

    1. 5 stars
      Though my husband prefers the regular soft and fluffy banana bread, I really enjoyed this recipe for breakfast or even a treat. I ate the whole loaf myself. Maybe I will decrease the chocolate chips a little next time. I love chocolate but this did seem like an unhealthy amount of chocolate in each slice. I used honey instead of maple and it was delish.

  17. 5 stars
    My partner says this is the best banana bread he’s every had. I will definitely be making this again, so easy and super soft!

    I also added a teaspoon of cinnamon

  18. 5 stars
    Absolutely delicious. I don’t usually comment on stuff , but this cake has a 10/10 . Just sweet enough to satisfy the craving for something sweet .. you can treat yourself to a slice or 2 or 3 knowing that it is really healthy. Thank you so much for this recipe, I will bake it again very soon.

  19. Good Evening – What size pan do you recommend for this bread recipe: 9 x 5 or 4 x 4? Thank you for the recipe as it sounds wondeful!

  20. 5 stars
    Hello Arman,
    Every single recipe I’ve ever baked or cooked of yours always turned out delicious! I just wanted you to know, I think you’re a brilliant chef. you make masterpieces. Thank you. My family also thanks you.Blessings😉♥️
    Shirley F

  21. 5 stars
    Good Morning – What size loaf pan do you recommend for this recipe? I checked several of your quick bread recipes to find only one directing pan size (9 x 4 – which does not exist.) I would like some guidance for pan size. Thank you so much. I am looking forward to making this recipe.

  22. 5 stars
    I did it from Tanzania and it’s just so so amazingly tasty and so healthy!! Thank you for your generous sharing!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾
    Thank you again

  23. 5 stars
    I did it from Tanzania and it’s just so so amazingly tasty and so healthy!! Thank you for your generous sharing!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾

  24. 5 stars
    Very good, my family loved it! Based on recommendations only added 3 bananas and it was great. Made again with cinnamon honey instead of maple syrup…yum!

  25. 5 stars
    This is a nice and simple recipe. Its a tad too sweet for me, but easy to fix. I did use honey, so if that happens to be sweeter than maple syrup that could be my issue. A little salt would balance out the sweetness too, and carry it further. But I will be making this again with a few tweaks. I added just a bit of melted butter and I think I will keep that tweak (coconot oil would do the same).

  26. 5 stars
    thankyou for your recipe – really enjoyed it – did to less choc chips and 3 good size bananas and it worked well. i am wondering how it would work with blueberries instead of choc chips? any ideas thanks

  27. 5 stars
    This turned out great but next time I would put 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, and half cup walnuts/pecans. I thought half cup of chocolate was way too much. I think I would also put 3 bananas not 4.

  28. 5 stars
    I made this for my son to take to college and he loved it as a snack! I added some toasted, chopped walnuts for some extra protein and crunch.

  29. 5 stars
    Absolutely amazing, thank you. I added one scoop of banana protein powder and did half unsweetened coconut and half chocolate chips, plus a splash of vanilla, and a pinch of cloves.
    Simply outstanding. Will be a regular item to make.
    Darlene

  30. 5 stars
    I just made your banana oatmeal bread, using honey and let me tell you it is delicious. It came out perfect.I didn’t use the chocolate chips. Thank You for the recipe.

  31. 5 stars
    Absolute perfection! I added the chocolate chips in the blender too and made muffins with the batter. So so good!!!

  32. 5 stars
    Hubby I’d diabetic so no sugar added works great. He loves this bread and the 5 ingredients chocolate chip cookies made with dark chocolate chips (no sugar)

  33. 5 stars
    Such a simple and delicious recipe for banana loaf. Made this for my diabetic parents. I added a pinch of salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp cloves. I also reduced the maple syrup to 3 tbsp and it still had a hint of sweetness. I will probably increase it to 4 tbsp when I make it again!

    Thank you!

  34. 5 stars
    I was really surprised by how good this recipe turned out! Actually even better than my usual go to banana bread recipe AND it’s healthier. I followed the instructions and blended everything. Since I have a small blender I blended the oats seperately and then the rest of the ingredients, and then just mixed everything together in a bowl.

    I used a 9×6 pan and kept it in the oven at 350 degrees for 42 min.

    I used honey instead of maple syrup (a suggested substitute) as I did not have maple syrup on hand.

    I also added chopped walnuts. It turned out amazing!

    Next time I might sub the chocolate chips for blueberries, hopefully that turns out well too.

    It turned out so good I sent this recipe to everyone I know LOL!

    Definitely worth a try. Trust the process, you’ll be happy with the results.

  35. 5 stars
    Love it . Not too sweet just perfect . I sometimes make it without the chocolate chips and it’s just as amazing

  36. 5 stars
    Oh my goodness! I’m rubbish at baking but this was so easy and delicious. Very moist, and rose well. I made it for my son who also spread some peanut butter on it for a wholesome, delicious snack. I followed the recipe to the letter and I had no problems. I used a small loaf tin, and it all fitted in perfectly. I wish I could have uploaded a picture as it looks so yummy.

  37. 5 stars
    Great recipe, if you substitute zucchini for the bananas just increase syrup from 6 Tablespoons to 1 1/4 cup. Bananas bring their sweetness unlike zucchini.

  38. 5 stars
    I love how simple this recipe is! 🤩 And actually very tasty 🙌 I used 4tbsp of honey, which was totally enough. Thank you!

  39. 5 stars
    Love this recipe – I make it about once a week to satisfy my pregnancy cravings in a healthier way. I like adding lots of walnuts, a dash of vanilla, dash of salt, and two big dollops of Greek yogurt. I add a little more than 2c oatmeal to compensate for the extra wet ingredients. I definitely prefer moist “eat with a fork” bread like this compared to the drier recipes that use flour!

  40. 5 stars
    This is quite literally the best banana bread I’ve ever made. My mom even asked for the recipe a few weeks ago when I first made it. It is now a staple at our house.

  41. 5 stars
    I just made this recipe and it was suuuper easy to make and my family loved it my mom who is diabetic was finally able to enjoy this treat without feeling guilty about it. So thank you sooo much for this recipe we truly appreciate it.

  42. Let me start by saying the bread is delicious! I made some tweaks based on comments here and I’m wondering if, in doing so, I may have created the results I wrought. I used 1/4 cup of maple syrup, and added 1/4 cup of sour cream to provide the acid to help the baking soda. I did use three thawed frozen bananas and 1 fresh banana. It puffed up beautifully in the oven, but when it came out and cooled, it lost half of its height. Is that to be expected? What did I do wrong? Again, it tastes wonderful, but the consistency is more like a thick fudgy brownie than a bread. By the way, a slice in the microwave for 20 seconds is the best! Can’t wait to make French Toast with it.

  43. 5 stars
    This was such a delightful addition to the breakfast rotation. I can honestly say, this is my FAVORITE recipe that I’ve tried, to date.

    YUM!!!! Pro tip: I used semi-sweet dark chocolate chips and this came out perfectly.

  44. 5 stars
    I don’t know what I was expecting, I this came out better than I could have imagined. It’s so SOFT and moist. I blended the oats before hand and the result was a fluffy, cake like masterpiece. Thanks for the recipe!

  45. I forgot the b soda. It was fine more like a muesli bar I added walnuts an sultanas an cinnamon it was great thanks

  46. 5 stars
    Yup. Super nummy. Made this for my 1 year old who is too small and dropped some weight percentiles. I am anxiously trying to find dense foods that she likes, but that aren’t just processed crap. This recipe came together super easy in my blender. I was a little shy a banana, so I added an unsweetened applesauce cup. I didn’t have maple syrup(but I’ll get some so I can make this properly)so I added a 1/4 cup of brown sugar. I used a cake pan to bake rather than a loaf pan, and so found 30 minutes to do the trick. Awesome simple recipe. She took the cake right out of my hand and started putting it in her mouth, so I would say that’s a good review.

  47. 5 stars
    I had my doubts but this was so good, way better than regular banana bread! Added some greek yogurt as one person recommended and some walnuts. This will be my go-to recipe from now on!!

  48. 5 stars
    Greetings from Perth Australia. Made these as mini muffins for brekky this morning. They were so delish. My 2 year old son must have eaten about 12-15 muffins alone. I couldn’t believe how sweet they were from just the ripe bananas and maple syrup. This is our new fave muffin recipe. Thank you.
    (Our previous fave recipe contains spinach, do you think these would work with spinach added?)

    1. Correction to previous post regarding increasing the amount of syrup if you substitute zucchini for banana. Amount given was for a double batch, you should increase syrup to 1 1/4 cup. This recipe is fabulous as written but I sometimes get a lot of zucchini so I will exchange that for the bananas

  49. I looooove this recipe! I recently had to cut ot white flour forever and I’ve been thinking of ways to make banana bread without it. I’ve only ever made banana bread with white flour. Finding this recipe was such a relief and it gave me great joy..Every week I now try to make sure I’ve got bananas in my fridge so I can make it on Fridays! One loaf lasts me the entire week and it’s YUM! THanks for sharing!

  50. Thanks for the recipe! Hard to find a 100% oat/no refined sugar banana bread recipe, and this one is a keeper!

    I did add a big scoop of Greek yogurt for some acid and added moisture (plus I only had 3 bananas) and it helped a lot with the rise,something oat bread needs help with any way. Baking soda alone is a base, and requires an acid to activate that chemical reaction the gives bread that floof, which is why it is almost always used alongside baking soda. However a fermented element (yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk) does the same thing, plus adds extra moisture and taste.

    It came out amazing, will def be making again 🙂

    1. 5 stars
      Can I use steel cut oats? Or specifically Coach’sOats Cracked and Toasted Oats.

      Thank You

  51. Love love love this recipe. I started looking for easy and cheep gluten free recipes when I found out I had an intolerance and saw how expensive it is. I came across this. It made me so happy. It’s great as is. Very moist and the bread has such a good texture and flavor. I’ve experimented and it’s very versatile. I made it extra sweet and took it to the office for my junk food addict coworkers. It was a hit. I had coco powder and shredded coconut which made a chocolate coconut version that was good. I also ran out of chocolate chips so I used frozen berries. That too, was delicious. Lastly I used protein powder instead of the sweetener. Also very good. This is now my go to recipe.

  52. 5 stars
    This was legit!! I used the batter for pancakes instead of banana bread, and it was SO MUCH better than any of the recipes for blender oatmeal pancake recipes I’ve tried.

    I used molasses because we didn’t have maple syrup, and I added cinnamon and salt for a little more flavor. Definitely a keeper!!

  53. Wow this was easy, just threw it all in the blender! I did add 1/2 cup (1 of those individual cups) of applesauce for moisture. I did put it all in a bowl after blending to add chopped walnuts and chocolate chips. I used 2 loaf pans, 350 for 21 minutes. It’s moist and flavorful!

  54. 5 stars
    I was surprised by how truly delicious this banana bread is, considering how simple and healthy it is haha! I highly recommend trying it. It’s easy and really tasty. I added a tsp of cinnamon and enjoyed the subtle addition.

  55. 5 stars
    I have made lots of banana bread and muffins because my family loves bananas. This is the first recipe *I* have ever really liked because it isn’t too sweet. I love oats and maple syrup and it’s really easy to make. Next time I will add walnuts or chocolate chips. Thanks for the great recipe!

  56. I LOVE this recipe!!!

    I made it last week with bananas and it was heaven!!!! Wanting to make it again tonight, but having no bananas, I subbed 1 3/4 c. Zucchini and a dash of cinnamon.

    Still freaking amazing!!

    Thank you for this awesome, healthy, and totally solid recipe.

  57. 5 stars
    So good! I made this the first time as is and have made it a couple of times since, adding cocoa, chia seeds, and walnuts. Delicious every time!

  58. 5 stars
    Delicious!
    I’ve been using oat four but realised with this recipe there’s no need to dry mill my oats beforehand and I just love the fuller texture of the not so blended oats.

    Made this like 3x now and keep experimenting.
    Last time I left out the eggs and used a spoon of mayo and a 1/2 cup of yoghurt instead. Half the honey and it still came out tops.

    Thanks for this Arman.🥰

  59. 5 stars
    I have been looking for some healthier recipes to serve my children in the morning. I admit I was skeptical at first about no flour or sugar. This bread is delicious and my children loved it! The only thing I did was add a little cinnamon. Thank you for a good recipe I feel good giving my children….and myself!!

  60. 5 stars
    I did it twice, both times I didn’t had 4 ripped bananas so instead I used half the recipe and only 1 spoon of honey. It still tasted tremendously delicious. Thanks for this recipe, is my new go-to.

  61. 5 stars
    Love it! I reduced the maple syrup by 2 tablespoons and it was still yummy! I’ve even been eating a little piece as a bedtime snack.

  62. 5 stars
    Very moist! Will be a wonderful addition to my recipes. Question, what is a slice, or how many slices are in a batch?

  63. 5 stars
    Great recipe, instead of using maple syrup or honey I added two medjool dates and also 2 tbsp of cocoa powder. Delicious! Thanks heaps 🙂

    1. 5 stars
      This is very good! I used frozen bananas and had to add extra oats because the bananas were VERY moist. It didn’t blend as thoroughly as I expected but still turned out fine. Next time I think I will add a pinch of salt and use parchment paper.

      1. 5 stars
        Hubby I’d diabetic so no sugar added works great. He loves this bread and the 5 ingredients chocolate chip cookies made with dark chocolate chips (no sugar)

  64. 5 stars
    Absolutely delicious without the choc chips.I reduced the honey to 4 tbsp which was plenty sweet enough. Beautiful and moist and keeps well in the fridge.

      1. 5 stars
        Absolutely delicious and it turn out as it exactly you see on the photo. It’s very moist, I use 4 tablespoons honey, one spoon Greek yogurt, cinnamon, ginger and 1/2 cup combination of walnuts and cranberry. I also bake it on 350 for 50 minutes, it was still sticky on the fork for 30 minutes. Enjoy!

      2. 5 stars
        The batter seemed wet so I added an extra 1/2 cup oats (I used 3 bananas and 2 spoons of greek yogurt).
        I also added vanilla extract and pumpkin spice, 1/2 cup cranberries and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. I user 3 tablespoons of honey and baked for 50 minutes.
        It turned out amazing, thank you so much for this amazing recipe!🙏