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