Mixed Berry Banana Oat Flour Bread
A naturally sweet quick bread made with bananas, berries, oat flour, honey, and milk. Moist, gluten-free if using certified gluten-free oat flour, and perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1½ cups oat flour
- 2 large eggs
- â…“ cup honey
- ½ cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant milk)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (recommended for better flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Instructions
1. Prepare the oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Mashed bananas
- Eggs
- Honey
- Milk
- Vanilla (if using)
Mix until smooth.
3. Add dry ingredients
Stir in:
- Oat flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon (if using)
Mix just until combined.
4. Fold in berries
- Gently fold in the mixed berries.
- If using frozen berries, do not thaw them first.
5. Bake
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool
- Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Per slice (1 of 10 slices)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 155–170 |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 14 g |
| Fat | 3.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 37 mg |
| Sodium | 90 mg |
| Potassium | 190 mg |
Values are estimates and vary with the type of berries and milk used.
Helpful Tips
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the sweetest flavor.
- Toss berries in 1 teaspoon oat flour before adding to reduce sinking.
- Don’t overmix the batter or the bread may become dense.
- Cover loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes if the top browns too quickly.
Storage
- Room temperature: 2 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations
- Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Mix in ¼ cup dark chocolate chips.
- Add lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
- Replace honey with maple syrup.
- Add 1 tablespoon chia or flaxseed for extra fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen berries?
A: Yes. Add them frozen to prevent excess moisture and color bleeding.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oat flour.
Q: Can I make muffins instead?
A: Yes. Fill muffin cups about ¾ full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Q: Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?
A: Yes. Use the same amount (â…“ cup).
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of oat flour?
A: Yes, but the texture will be a bit denser. Start with the same amount and adjust if needed.
Q: Why did my loaf sink in the middle?
A: Common reasons include underbaking, overmixing, opening the oven too early, or using too much moisture from thawed berries.
Q: Can I reduce the sweetness?
A: Yes. Reduce the honey to ¼ cup if your bananas are very ripe.
Q: How do I know it’s done?
A: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, and the internal temperature should be about 200–205°F (93–96°C).
