Healthy Banana Bread with Oat Flour
Ingredients:
- Bananas: 3 ripe
- Eggs: 2
- Milk or Plant-Based Milk: ½ cup (120ml)
- Oat Flour: 1½ cups (180g)
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
- Sweetener: Optional, such as honey, stevia, or date paste to taste
Directions:
- Step 1: Mash the Bananas
- In a large bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. If your bananas are not ripe, you can microwave them for 2-3 minutes or bake them at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes to soften and bring out their sweetness.
- Step 1: Mash the Bananas
- Step 2: Add Eggs
- Add 2 eggs to the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Step 3: Add Sweetener (Optional)
- If you like, you can add a sweetener of your choice, such as honey, stevia, or date paste. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Step 4: Add Milk
- Add ½ cup (120ml) of milk or plant-based milk to the mixture and stir.
- Step 2: Add Eggs
- Step 5: Add Oat Flour and Baking Powder
- Gradually mix in 1½ cups (180g) of oat flour. If you don’t have oat flour, you can make your own by blending rolled oats in a food processor until fine.
- Add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and mix until everything is well combined.
- Step 5: Add Oat Flour and Baking Powder
- Step 6: Prepare the Baking Pan
- Grease a 22 cm (8.6 inches) baking pan with oil or line it with parchment paper. Pour the banana mixture into the pan.
- Step 7: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, allow the banana bread to cool before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
- Step 6: Prepare the Baking Pan
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a spread of peanut butter or almond butter.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a wholesome breakfast.
- Top with fresh fruits like berries or banana slices.
- Pair with yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a nutritious snack.
- Use the banana bread as a base for French toast for a special breakfast treat.
Cooking Tips:
- If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, bake them in the oven or microwave to bring out their natural sweetness.
- You can add chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, or raisins for extra flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a denser banana bread, reduce the amount of baking powder by half.
- To make your own oat flour, simply blend rolled oats in a food processor until fine.
- Store leftover banana bread wrapped in foil or in an airtight container to keep it fresh for longer.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Bananas: Provide potassium, vitamin C, and natural sweetness.
- Oat Flour: A good source of fiber and essential vitamins, making it a heart-healthy alternative to regular flour.
- Eggs: High in protein and contribute to the structure of the bread.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free oat flour.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk with almond, soy, or any plant-based milk.
- Refined Sugar-Free: Sweeten naturally with the bananas or a natural sweetener of your choice.
Nutritional Facts (per slice):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
Storage:
- Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast before serving.