Banana Oat Bread

on April 23, 2026 32 comments »

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This banana oat bread is one you’ll make on repeat! It’s soft, moist, and full of cozy banana flavor, with hearty oats for the perfect texture. Made with simple ingredients, it’s just right for breakfast or snacking.

Sliced banana oat bread with chocolate chips.

EMAIL ME THE RECIPE!

Enter your email below and we'll send this recipe to your inbox. Plus, enjoy exclusive content!

A Note from Kim

The Ultimate Banana Bread Upgrade

It is just the best feeling waking up to notice this banana oat bread sitting on the counter waiting to be devoured. You know it’s going to be even better than it was the first day, if that’s even possible. Banana bread is seriously my favorite, but I can get a little carried away with eating a few too many slices. Anyone else?

This version is perfectly tender, and the oats add such wonderful hearty texture throughout that makes every bite so amazing. You could add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor, but I honestly love it just the way it is.

With love (and lots of good eats),

Made this the other day and it was delicious! I decided to just use 3/4 cup sugar! Also added in dark chocolate chips and walnuts. Will definitely be making again!
— Nik

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this banana oat bread recipe, simple pantry staples that come together for the most delicious, hearty loaf!

You can find the full ingredient list and measurements in the recipe card below.

Bananas near eggs and small bowls of oats, vanilla, chocolate chips and sugar.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and keeps the bread soft and tender. You can also use whole wheat pastry flour for a boost of fiber without making the loaf too dense.
Oats: Add a hearty texture and wholesome flavor, quick oats blend in more, while rolled oats give a slightly chewier bite.
Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps keep it moist and tender.
Baking soda: Gives the bread its rise and helps create a light, tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with banana.
Avocado oil: Keeps the bread moist and soft; any neutral oil like vegetable or canola works too.
Eggs: Large eggs help bind the ingredients together and add richness and structure.
Mashed bananas: The star of the recipe! Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.
Optional add-ins: Chopped nuts add crunch and nuttiness, while chocolate chips add a sweet, melty twist.

Kim’s Recipe Tips

Use extra-ripe bananas: The darker the bananas, the better the flavor and sweetness. Lots of brown spots are perfect! To speed up the ripening process, you can bake unpeeled bananas in foil at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
Measure flour the right way: Too much flour can make the bread dry. For best results, whisk the flour first, then spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off, don’t pack it down. For the most accurate results, you can also weigh the flour instead of using cups.
Don’t overmix: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense and tough.
Watch the bake time: Ovens vary, so start checking around 50–55 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Prevent over-browning: If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with foil halfway through baking to keep it golden brown.

How to Make Banana Oat Bread

All you need is one large bowl and a 9×5-inch loaf pan to make this easy banana bread recipe! Spray it with nonstick cooking spray, line it with parchment paper, or grease it with butter or oil.

For full printable instructions, reference the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Stirring flour mixture with a wooden spoon.

Step 1: Dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, quick-cooking oats, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.

Using a wooden spoon to stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Step 2: Wet ingredients. Without over-mixing, gently stir in the avocado oil, lightly beaten eggs, mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract until just combined.

Stirring chocolate chips into banana bread batter.

Step 3: Add mix-ins to the batter. Fold in the chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips if using.

Step 4: Transfer to loaf pan. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the top with extra oats, chocolate chips or walnuts, if desired.

Baked banana bread in a parchment lined loaf pan.

Step 5: Bake. Place in oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

Step 6: Cool and serve. Allow the bread to rest in the pan on a cooling rack for 20 minutes. Then, remove from pan and let the bread fully cool before slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this banana oatmeal bread into muffins?

Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and reduce the baking time to around 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye on them and check with a toothpick.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and drain off the excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas often make banana bread even moister.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

This usually happens if it’s underbaked or if the batter was overmixed, which incorporates too much air. Make sure to bake until the center is fully set and only stir the batter until just combined.

Storage Recommendations

Storage: Store the loaf covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator it for up to a week. To bring back that fresh-baked feel, warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast it lightly.
Freezing: Wrap the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. You can also freeze individual slices for easy grab-and-go treats, just thaw at room temp or warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Banana oat bread sliced and one piece with butter.

More Favorite Banana Bread Recipes

Zucchini Banana Bread

Strawberry Banana Bread

Healthy Banana Bread

Pumpkin banana bread cut into slices and topped with a glaze.

Glazed Pumpkin Banana Bread

If you try this banana oat bread recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Subscribe to our mailing list to receive more delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

4.55 from 40 votes

Leave a Review »

Banana Oat Bread

Yield: 12 slices

Prep Time: 25

Cook Time: 55

Cooling time: 40

Total Time: 2

Banana oat bread is soft, moist, and packed with cozy banana flavor. Made with simple ingredients and hearty oats, it’s perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.

Author: Kim