Name: Oatmeal Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 2/3 cups oat flour; 2 tbsp rolled oats (8g); 1 tsp baking soda; 3/4 tsp baking powder; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional); 2 cups mashed banana (240g); 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (or honey or agave) (120g); 1/3 cup coconut oil (or water) (80g); 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (5g)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 5 reviews

If you have ripe bananas sitting around and want to create something comforting, wholesome, and utterly delicious, this Oatmeal Banana Bread Recipe is your new best friend. It’s moist, naturally sweetened, and packed with the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, making it perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a cozy dessert. What makes this recipe truly special is the use of oat flour and rolled oats, which add a wonderful texture and boost the nutritional value without compromising on that classic banana bread taste you love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, creamy batter that is light beige in color. The batter is mixed with small dark brown chocolate chips spread evenly throughout, creating a speckled look. A bright pink silicone spatula rests inside the bowl, partially coated with the batter, showing some swirling motion in the middle of the mixture. The texture of the batter looks smooth with small lumps, indicating it is likely a fruit or nut batter mixed gently. The scene is bright, clean, and focused on the bowl's contents. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Preparing this Oatmeal Banana Bread Recipe is a breeze thanks to its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a critical role in bringing out the beautiful flavors, moist crumb, and inviting aroma of the bread.

Oat flour (1 2/3 cups): Provides a tender texture and wholesome base packed with fiber, perfect for gluten-free baking if using certified oat flour.
Rolled oats (2 tbsp): Adds a delightful chewy bite and a nutty crunch on top.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the bread rise beautifully and creates a light crumb.
Baking powder (3/4 tsp): Works alongside baking soda to boost fluffiness and texture.
Salt (3/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Brings warm spice notes that make this bread irresistible.
Chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): A little indulgence that melts into sweet pockets of joy throughout the bread.
Mashed bananas (2 cups): The star ingredient that lends natural sweetness, moisture, and that classic banana taste.
Pure maple syrup (1/2 cup): Adds gentle sweetness and depth, with alternatives like honey or agave if preferred.
Coconut oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the bread moist and tender while contributing a subtle tropical note; water can be substituted if needed.
Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Elevates the overall flavor with its rich and fragrant aroma.

How to Make Oatmeal Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking, or line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup. This simple step ensures your bread will come out perfectly shaped and intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk these together to evenly distribute the leaveners and spices. This creates the foundation of your bread, laying the groundwork for a balanced flavor and crumb.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In the same bowl or a separate one, add the mashed bananas, pure maple syrup, coconut oil, and pure vanilla extract. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is just combined. The magic of ripe bananas shines through here, keeping the bread moist and naturally sweet without overpowering.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and fold everything carefully until just combined. Be sure not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense. If you’re opting for chocolate chips, fold some into the batter now or reserve them to sprinkle on top before baking.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle chocolate chips, if using, to create delightful melty pockets in every slice. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a bit before running a knife around the edges and gently transferring it to a serving plate.

How to Serve Oatmeal Banana Bread Recipe

A loaf of chocolate chip bread sits on a wooden board with three thick slices cut and stacked in front of it, showing a light brown texture filled with many dark chocolate chips inside and on top. Beside the bread lies a knife with a serrated blade and a bright pink handle. The bread looks soft and moist with scattered chocolate pieces throughout its crumb. The scene is simple with no other items visible, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a simple garnish can take your oatmeal banana bread from everyday to special in no time. Consider a light spread of creamy nut butter or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. A handful of chopped walnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar can add both texture and visual charm.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it a lovely morning or afternoon treat. For a more filling experience, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of yogurt topped with granola.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or brunch, slice the bread and arrange it neatly on a decorative platter with small bowls of butter, jam, and cream cheese. You can also toast individual slices and top them with ricotta and honey for an elegant twist that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your oatmeal banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This helps preserve its moisture and keeps it fresh for easy snacking anytime.

Freezing

This bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick breakfast on busy mornings.

Reheating

To bring your frozen or refrigerated banana bread back to its glorious, fresh-baked state, simply warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This quick reheat restores the soft texture and releases those lovely vanilla and banana aromas.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?

Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour if you don’t have oat flour on hand. However, the texture and flavor will change slightly, losing some of the heartiness and subtle sweetness that oat flour provides.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best flavor and sweetness in your oatmeal banana bread recipe, use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. These bananas mash easily and have a naturally higher sugar content, which enhances the bread’s moistness and taste.

Is it necessary to use coconut oil?

While coconut oil adds a lovely moisture and subtle flavor, you can substitute it with another neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, melted butter, or even water if you prefer. Each substitution will slightly affect texture and taste, but your bread will still be delicious.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries are wonderful additions that complement the banana and cinnamon flavors. Fold them into the batter along with or instead of chocolate chips for extra texture and surprise bites.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oat flour and oats. Always check the packaging to ensure it’s processed in a gluten-free facility if you have dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

This Oatmeal Banana Bread Recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate the humble banana and oats in a hearty, comforting loaf that feels homemade and nourishing. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring as a special moment of self-care. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure it will quickly become a treasured favorite in your baking repertoire!