Craving something comforting and wholesome? You’ll love this Pumpkin Spice Banana Oat Bread, a delicious twist on healthy banana oat baked goods that brings autumn flavors to your kitchen any time of year. This easy recipe creates a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for sweetness and moisture. You can use frozen, thawed bananas too.
- Oat Flour: Provides a hearty texture. Grind rolled oats in a blender if you don’t have oat flour.
- Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and a lovely fall flavor. Ensure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pie filling.
- Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener. Honey or agave nectar are good alternatives.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Use a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend for convenience.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 ½ cups oat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips (dark chocolate recommended for healthy banana oat baked goods)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
- Tools Needed: 9×5 inch loaf pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour your 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean bake.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Ensure all the dry ingredients are well combined to distribute the leavening evenly for consistent healthy banana oat baked goods.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, mash your ripe bananas until mostly smooth. Stir in the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated. This creates a flavorful and moist base.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough loaf.
5. Add Optional Mix-ins
If you’re using walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips, now is the time to fold them into the batter. Distribute them evenly throughout the mixture. These additions enhance the texture and flavor of your healthy banana oat baked goods.
6. Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on it.
7. Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the Pumpkin Spice Banana Oat Bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying. This helps set the texture.
Variation Ideas:
- Cranberry Orange: Add ½ cup dried cranberries and 1 tablespoon orange zest for a zesty twist.
- Nut Butter Swirl: Swirl 2 tablespoons of almond or peanut butter through the batter before baking.
- Streusel Topping: Combine 2 tablespoons oat flour, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon softened butter for a simple crumb topping.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Pumpkin Spice Banana Oat Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also slice and freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats for oat flour?
Yes, you can. Grind quick oats in a blender or food processor until they reach a flour-like consistency.
Why are my bananas not ripe enough?
If your bananas aren’t ripe (brown spots are key!), you can bake them at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until the peels are black.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Oat flour is naturally gluten-free, but check your oat flour package to ensure it’s certified gluten-free if you have an allergy.
How do I know if my pumpkin puree is good?
Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Check the ingredients label carefully to avoid added sugars or spices.
Can I reduce the maple syrup?
You can reduce the maple syrup slightly for less sweetness, but be aware it might alter the moisture content a bit. The ripe bananas provide significant natural sweetness.
My bread is dense, what happened?
Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense texture. Mix until just combined to keep your healthy banana oat baked goods light.
