Nutritious Banana Oatmeal Bread
This nutritious banana oatmeal bread is the perfect blend of healthy ingredients and delightful flavor. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or lunchbox treats, this loaf balances fiber-rich oat bran and oat flour with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The addition of warming spices like allspice and cinnamon, combined with unsweetened applesauce, ensures that each bite is flavorful yet health-conscious. Inspired by the necessities of using overripe bananas, this recipe takes the legacy of Nick Malgieri's original from “How to Bake” to a new level of healthfulness and accessibility.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 cup
oat flour
1 cup (finely grind rolled oats if needed)
oat bran
1/2 cup
baking powder
2 teaspoons
baking soda
1 teaspoon
ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
egg whites
3
unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
ripe bananas
2 cups (mashed (about 3-4 bananas))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the middle. Grease and flour an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 3/4-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together the all-purpose flour, oat flour, oat bran, baking powder, baking soda, ground allspice, and ground cinnamon.
3
In another bowl, whisk the packed brown sugar with the egg whites until slightly frothy. Add the unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and mashed ripe bananas to the sugar and egg mixture, stirring until smooth.
4
Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet banana mixture using a spatula or spoon. Ensure ingredients are combined, but take care not to overmix as this can affect the bread's texture.
5
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, leveling the top with a spatula.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes or until the bread has risen well and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for about 5 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan and let it continue to cool completely on the rack.
8
Once cooled, slice and serve. This bread freezes well; store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nutritious Banana Oatmeal Bread?
It is a fiber-rich quick bread that combines ripe bananas with oat flour and oat bran for a healthy breakfast or snack.
What makes this banana bread nutritious?
This bread is made with oat bran, oat flour, and unsweetened applesauce, making it higher in fiber and lower in fat than traditional recipes.
What types of flour are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of all-purpose flour and oat flour.
How can I make oat flour if I don't have it?
You can create oat flour by finely grinding rolled oats in a food processor or blender until they reach a flour-like consistency.
What is the purpose of oat bran in this recipe?
Oat bran adds significant dietary fiber and texture to the bread.
What spices are used for flavoring?
The bread is flavored with a combination of ground allspice and ground cinnamon.
Is this recipe low-fat?
Yes, the recipe uses egg whites and unsweetened applesauce to reduce the fat content while maintaining moisture.
Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 egg whites to keep the bread nutritious and low-fat, but whole eggs could be used with a slight change in nutritional profile.
What role does applesauce play in this bread?
Unsweetened applesauce acts as a fat replacer, providing moisture and natural sweetness without the calories of extra oil or butter.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the Nutritious Banana Oatmeal Bread need to bake?
The loaf should bake for approximately 45 to 55 minutes.
What size loaf pan is required?
An 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 3/4-inch loaf pan is recommended.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when it has risen well and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Why should I use very ripe bananas?
Ripe bananas are softer, easier to mash, and provide a higher level of natural sweetness and intense banana flavor.
How many bananas do I need for 2 cups of mashed banana?
Typically, 3 to 4 medium-sized bananas will yield the required 2 cups of mashed banana.
How should I prepare the loaf pan?
Grease and flour the loaf pan thoroughly to prevent the bread from sticking.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before removing it.
Can this banana bread be frozen?
Yes, this bread freezes very well. Store slices or the whole loaf in an airtight container in the freezer.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is an adaptation of a recipe by Nick Malgieri from his book 'How to Bake'.
Is this recipe considered high-fiber?
Yes, the inclusion of both oat flour and oat bran makes this a high-fiber baking option.
Can I overmix the batter?
You should avoid overmixing; gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones until just combined to ensure a good texture.
What happens if the batter is overmixed?
Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread rather than a light and tender crumb.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How should the brown sugar be measured?
The brown sugar should be firmly packed into the measuring cup.
Is this bread suitable for school lunchboxes?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'lunchbox treat' and is a healthy, portable snack for children.
Is there vanilla extract in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is used to enhance the flavor.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
The rack should be positioned in the middle of the oven for even heat distribution.
Can I add other ingredients like nuts?
While not in the original recipe, you can customize the bread by adding nuts or seeds for extra texture.
Does the recipe use baking powder or baking soda?
It uses both: 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to ensure the bread rises properly.