Healthy Oat and Apple Banana Bread

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Healthy Oat and Apple Banana Bread

Discover a Guilt-Free Baking Sensation

Imagine a delicious banana bread that breaks all the traditional baking rules – no flour, no refined sugar, and packed with nutritious ingredients. This incredible recipe transforms simple, wholesome components into a moist, flavorful bread that will revolutionize your approach to healthy baking.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 85 g (3/4 cup) rolled oats
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 medium apples
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 80 ml (1/3 cup) hot water

Mix-Ins

  • 50 g (1/3 cup) raisins
  • 50 g (1/3 cup) dried cranberries
  • 40 g (1/3 cup) walnuts, chopped
  • 2 tsp honey

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Grind rolled oats in a blender until they become a fine flour-like consistency.
  3. Peel and cut apples into large cubes. Blend with hot water until smooth.
  4. Mash the banana thoroughly with a fork.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
    • Ground oat flour
    • Apple puree
    • Mashed banana
    • Eggs
    • Baking powder
    • Cinnamon
    • Salt
    • Greek yogurt
  6. Rinse raisins and cranberries in hot water. Drain and pat dry.
  7. Fold dried fruits into the batter.
  8. Transfer mixture to a prepared baking pan.
  9. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top.
  10. Drizzle honey over the surface.
  11. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  12. Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing.

Nutritional Information

  • Servings: 8-10 slices
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes

Nutritional Breakdown (per slice)

  • Calories: 120-150
  • Protein: 4-5g
  • Carbohydrates: 15-18g
  • Fat: 6-8g
  • Fiber: 2-3g

Expert Baking Tips

  • Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness
  • Ensure oats are ground finely for best texture
  • Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bread tender
  • Let the bread cool completely to maintain structure

Recipe Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Already naturally gluten-free
  • Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs
  • Nut-Free: Omit walnuts or substitute with seeds
  • Flavor Variations:
    • Add dark chocolate chips
    • Use different dried fruits
    • Sprinkle with coconut flakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? A: Rolled oats work best for texture, but quick oats can be used with slight texture changes.

Q: How long does this bread stay fresh? A: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Q: Can I freeze this banana bread? A: Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for diabetics? A: Consult your healthcare provider, but it’s lower in sugar compared to traditional recipes.

Q: Can I make this without a blender? A: A food processor or manual oat grinding works, though texture might vary.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Cool completely before storing
  • Wrap in plastic wrap or store in airtight container
  • Refrigerate for extended freshness
  • Slice before freezing for easy portioning

Enjoy this guilt-free, nutritious banana bread that proves healthy can be delicious!

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