Oatmeal Banana Bread

By Adam Fisher
Published 8/15/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Erin McNamara, RDN, LDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Low Sodium | Gluten Free | Diabetic | Low Cholesterol | Low Fat | Vegetarian
Oatmeal Banana Bread
Photo Credit: Jessica Kielman, Baldwin Publishing

This moist and delicious Oatmeal Banana Bread is an easy recipe you’ll want on repeat. Naturally sweet from ripe bananas and warm cinnamon, it’s made with oat flour and rolled oats for a hearty texture. Using nonfat Greek yogurt and applesauce keeps it low in fat, while gluten-free flour makes it perfect for those avoiding wheat. With just 124mg of sodium per slice, it’s a heart-healthy snack that’s big on flavor. This healthy oatmeal banana bread recipe is great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether you’re looking for a classic treat or a gluten free bread recipe, this loaf delivers comfort, nutrition, and bakery-quality taste every time.

Love this healthy banana bread recipe? Explore even more of our deliciously sweet banana recipes for breakfasts, snacks, and desserts that taste amazing. You can also browse our collection of low sodium snack recipes for flavorful options that fit your dietary needs without compromising on taste.

Total Time
75 minutes
Servings
14
Calories
120

What Makes This Banana and Oatmeal Bread Healthy (and Delicious)

Low-Fat, Gluten Free Banana Bread with Whole Grain Oats

This banana oatmeal bread recipe is naturally low in fat and added sugar, yet it still delivers classic banana bread flavor and texture. Using cinnamon applesauce, Greek yogurt, and mashed bananas replaces oil and butter while keeping the crumb tender and moist. Old-fashioned oats and oat flour add whole grain fiber, while egg whites help lower cholesterol. The best part? This gluten free oatmeal banana bread holds together beautifully and stays moist for days. It’s a great option for meal prep, healthy snacking, or even a light breakfast on the go.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can blend rolled oats in a food processor or blender until fine — this makes a quick DIY oat flour.

Unsweetened applesauce plus a pinch of extra cinnamon works just fine.

Use white whole wheat flour in place of both flours for a fiber-rich version.

Low-fat plain yogurt or dairy-free yogurt alternatives both work in this healthy bread. Feel free to use low fat or fat free sour cream, too.

Use one additional whole egg instead. Just be mindful it will slightly increase the fat content.

Key Health Highlights

  • Low in total fat and saturated fat
  • Only 124 mg sodium per slice
  • Gluten free, heart healthy, and low cholesterol
  • No oil or butter, made with applesauce and Greek yogurt
  • Just 6 grams of added sugar per slice
  • Vegetarian and diabetic-friendly
  • Made with whole grain oats and bananas for fiber and potassium

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Slice and store the banana bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • To freeze, wrap individual slices and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave for a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
  • For a little boost, top with nut butter or a spoonful of yogurt.
  • Let it cool completely before slicing so it doesn’t crumble.

FAQs About Oatmeal Banana Bread

Banana bread can be healthy. It just depends on how it’s made. This easy healthy banana bread uses no butter or oil, cuts back on added sugar, and includes fiber-rich oats and bananas, making it a better-for-you version compared to traditional recipes.

Yes, you can. Use oat flour (store-bought or blended rolled oats) as a partial or full flour substitute in banana bread. Just keep in mind that oat flour doesn't rise like wheat flour, so for best results, pair it with baking soda and eggs for lift.

Use very ripe bananas. They are sweeter, softer, and give the bread natural flavor and moisture. Also, don’t overmix your batter, and let it rest for a few minutes before baking to hydrate the oats.

Overmixing the batter. Stirring too much can make the bread tough and gummy instead of soft and tender. Mix just until the ingredients come together.

At its core, banana bread usually includes mashed bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, and leavening agents like baking soda. This oatmeal flour banana bread also includes oats, applesauce, and yogurt to boost nutrition and moisture.

Actually, you should use ripe or overripe bananas. The darker and spottier the banana, the sweeter and softer it is, making them perfect for blending into banana and oatmeal bread recipes without needing extra sugar or fat.

More Healthy Banana Bread Recipes

Love this gluten free banana bread recipe? Try these other healthy banana bread ideas next:

Banana Bread
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Banana Bread Overnight Oats
Banana Bread Cookies

Healthy Banana Muffin Recipes

If you're thinking about baking a loaf but want something a little more portable, we’ve got healthy banana muffin recipes, too. These are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts, snacks, or lunchboxes.

Banana Muffins
Banana Carrot Muffins
Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Muffins
Blueberry Muffins
Health eCooks Cookbook on Amazon

Ingredients

Recipe yields 14 servings

How to Make Oatmeal Banana Bread

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment or lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray.

  2. Step 2

    In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt using a fine mesh sieve.

  3. Step 3

    In a separate bowl, mash the bananas and stir in the sugars, applesauce, egg, egg whites, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth.

  4. Step 4

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir just until combined. Fold in the oats and chocolate chips. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Pour into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with a few extra oats if you like. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 slice

120
Calories
1
g
Fat
14
mg
Cholesterol
124
mg
Sodium
24
g
Carbs
0
g
Sat. Fat
2
g
Fiber
4
g
Protein
10
g
Sugars

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