Healthier Oatmeal Banana Bread
You may not have tried making banana bread with old fashioned oatmeal, but let me tell you, the decadent combination of oatmeal, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and chocolate chips will blow your mind. Obviously, oatmeal is an unusual ingredient in everyday baking, however, this recipe is pure magic. The basic idea is to create a healthier version of traditional banana bread with ingredients which you likely already have on hand. While oat flour replaces regular flour, sugar is substituted with maple syrup.
Key Ingredients In Oatmeal Banana Bread
Oat flour – It’s all about rolled oats processed into a fine powder. Bananas – Mashed bananas are the key ingredient that make this bread moist and delicious banana loaded banana bread. Cocoa powder – It’s the basic chocolatey ingredient of the recipe. Maple syrup – The healthier way to add sweetness instead of regular granulated (caster) sugar. Dark chocolate chips or chunks – This brings in extra dose of chocolatey goodness.
Healthier Oatmeal Banana Bread Recipe
Prep the ingredients – Traditional rolled oats or quick oats work perfectly in this recipe. Process oatmeal to make a very fine powder called oat flour. With bananas, you can use a fork to mash them lightly. However, I would suggest processing them into a smooth puree using your blender. Apart from oats and banana, you will also need cocoa powder, eggs, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup. I have opted for maple syrup as the sweetener in this recipe, however, it can be easily substituted with dates, agave nectar, or honey. Mix and bake – Start with combining all the dry ingredients including oat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a small pinch of salt. Give this a quick whisk to mix all the ingredients. Next, you can add the wet ingredients. Pureed bananas, eggs, and maple syrup, all go into the dry mixture. A quick mix just to combine the dry and wet ingredients, and you can fold in the dark chocolate chunks. Transfer this mixture to a baking pan, and bake until risen and cooked through. Like this healthier oatmeal banana bread recipe? Then join Nish Kitchen on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. Watch recipe videos on YouTube.
Bananas - Puree bananas in the blender for a smooth paste.Maple syrup - Although maple syrup is the best choice, feel free to substitute with honey, agave nectar, and soaked and pureed dates.Optional ingredients - The recipe is designed to make a healthier version of banana bread, but, you can add a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar if you prefer more sweetness.Thick batter - If the batter is too thick, add a few tablespoons of milk.Low gluten - Please note this bread is NOT gluten free. Although oats are not labelled as ’gluten free’ in Australia, they are naturally wheat free and a great low gluten option.Storage - Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can refrigerate this for 5 days, and freeze for up to a month.
