There’s something timeless about a warm slice of banana bread, but when you add oats to the mix, it becomes heartier, healthier, and even more satisfying. This oatmeal banana bread recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the wholesome texture of oats to create a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or dessert.
Whether you’re aiming to reduce refined flour or simply want a nourishing twist on a classic, this loaf brings comfort and nutrition together in one easy bake. Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This oatmeal banana bread hits all the right notes—it’s naturally sweet, super moist, and easy to prepare with pantry staples. The oats add heartiness and fiber, while ripe bananas bring out a rich, comforting flavor. Whether you’re baking for a weekday breakfast or prepping snacks for the week, this recipe delivers every time. It’s perfect for those seeking a healthier banana bread without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, kid-approved, and can be customized with nuts or chocolate chips for added flair. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make moist and delicious oatmeal banana bread:
Wet Ingredients:
• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups) – the riper, the better for sweetness and moisture
• 2 large eggs – for structure and richness
• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt – adds moisture and a slight tang
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or butter) – keeps the bread soft
• ½ cup brown sugar – for warmth and sweetness
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the banana flavor
Dry Ingredients:
• 1 cup rolled oats – adds texture and fiber
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free version) – for structure
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the bread rise
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – gives an extra lift
• ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – adds cozy flavor
Optional Mix-ins:
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans – for crunch
• ½ cup chocolate chips – for a sweeter twist
Make sure to use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots—they’ll make your bread naturally sweet and extra moist.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your oatmeal banana bread turn out soft, moist, and full of flavor every time:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prep the pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth using a fork or potato masher.
Step 3: Mix wet ingredients
Add the eggs, Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until fully combined and creamy.
Step 4: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix, or the bread can turn dense.
Step 6: Add mix-ins (optional)
Gently fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or both for added texture and flavor.
Step 7: Pour into pan and bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and tap the pan lightly on the counter to release air bubbles.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Cool
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your warm, homemade oatmeal banana bread with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk!
Pro Tips and Variations
Here’s how to make your oatmeal banana bread even better, plus a few fun variations to try:
Pro Tips
• Use overripe bananas: The darker and spottier, the better. They add more natural sweetness and moisture.
• Don’t overmix: Gently stir the batter just until the dry ingredients disappear to keep the bread soft and fluffy.
• Line with parchment paper: This makes lifting the loaf out of the pan a breeze and avoids sticking.
• Cool before slicing: Let the bread cool completely for clean slices and the best texture.
• Check doneness early: Ovens vary—start testing at 50 minutes to avoid drying it out.
Variations
• Chocolate chip version: Fold in ½ to ¾ cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a dessert-style twist.
• Nutty banana bread: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty depth.
• Vegan option: Swap the eggs for flax eggs and use a plant-based yogurt alternative.
• Gluten-free version: Replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use certified gluten-free oats.
• Low sugar tweak: Reduce the brown sugar to ¼ cup and add a tablespoon of maple syrup or leave it out entirely for a lightly sweet loaf.
Serving Suggestions
This oatmeal banana bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of meals and snacks. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it:
Breakfast Boost
• Toasted with butter: Lightly toast a slice and spread with a pat of butter or nut butter for a warm, satisfying morning bite.
• With yogurt and fruit: Serve alongside plain Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced breakfast with protein, fiber, and natural sweetness.
• Drizzle with honey: For a touch of extra sweetness, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top.
Snack Time Favorite
• Afternoon pick-me-up: Pair a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy mid-day snack.
Pre-workout fuel: Its combo of oats and banana makes this a great source of energy before a workout.
• Pack in lunchboxes: Wrap a slice for a school or work lunch for a healthier treat on the go.
Dessert Style
• Add a scoop of ice cream: Warm a slice slightly and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a quick and easy dessert.
• Chocolate drizzle: Top with melted chocolate and a few chopped nuts for a decadent after-dinner treat.
Oatmeal Banana Bread
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Whisk in eggs, yogurt, and honey (or maple syrup).
- Add baking soda, baking powder, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until fully combined.
- Fold in the oats and chocolate chips or nuts if using. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Calories: 195
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Potassium: 240mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin A: 75 IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
Conclusion
This oatmeal banana bread is everything you want in a comforting, homemade bake—moist, hearty, and naturally sweet from ripe bananas. It’s a simple recipe made with wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand, yet it delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Whether you enjoy it as a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or even a light dessert, this loaf is bound to become a go-to favorite.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or keep it plain—it always comes out delicious. Plus, the combination of oats and bananas not only boosts nutrition but also creates a satisfying texture that’s soft yet sturdy enough for slicing and toasting.
FAQs
Is oatmeal with banana good for you?
Yes, oatmeal with banana is a nutritious combination. Bananas add natural sweetness, fiber, and potassium, while oats offer whole grain benefits and help keep you full longer.
Can you eat raw oats with banana?
Yes, raw oats can be eaten with banana, especially in dishes like overnight oats or smoothies. Just be sure to soak them to improve digestibility and texture.
What not to mix with oatmeal?
Avoid overly acidic ingredients like citrus juice or unsoaked raw nuts, which can disrupt the texture. Too much sugar or artificial flavorings can also reduce oatmeal’s health value.
Why is banana bread soggy?
Banana bread can turn out soggy if there’s too much moisture from overly ripe bananas or underbaking. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Can oatmeal replace flour in baking?
Yes, oats can be ground into oat flour as a flour alternative. It works well in many baked goods, including banana bread, though the texture may be slightly denser than with wheat flour.
