Banana Oat Bread

Banana Oat Bread Recipe with Walnuts and Apple Juice

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 60 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Banana Oat Bread is a delightful and nutritious twist on the traditional banana bread recipe. This version incorporates oats and wheat germ, adding a wonderful texture and boosting the nutritional value. It's a perfect choice for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. The use of apple juice concentrate and egg substitute also makes this bread lower in fat while retaining moisture and flavor. Whether you're an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding to make.

History

The concept of banana bread first became popular in the United States during the 1930s as a result of the Great Depression. Housewives sought to avoid wasting overripe bananas and began incorporating them into bread recipes. The addition of oats and wheat germ to banana bread is a more modern adaptation, reflecting a growing interest in healthier baking alternatives. This Banana Oat Bread recipe is a testament to the evolution of baking practices, combining traditional flavors with contemporary nutritional insights.

Ingredients

2.25 cups all-purpose flour
0.67 cups honey-crunch wheat germ
0.5 cups oats, uncooked
0.25 cups brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp baking soda
10 tbsp light corn oil spread, 1.5 sticks
1.5 cups mashed bananas, about 3 medium
6 oz (170 g) can frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
0.5 cups egg substitute, thawed
0.33 cups walnuts, chopped
1 tsp vanilla extract

How to prepare

About 2 hours before serving, or early in the day:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9"x5" loaf pan.
In a large bowl, mix the first 7 ingredients. Using a pastry blender, cut in the corn-oil spread until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the bananas, undiluted apple-juice concentrate, egg substitute, walnuts, and vanilla just until the flour is moistened.
Spoon the batter into the pan and bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool slightly.
Serve the bread warm, or let it cool completely to serve later.

Variations

For a vegan version, substitute the egg substitute with flax eggs and use a vegan corn-oil spread.
Add a cup of blueberries or chocolate chips to the batter for an extra burst of flavor.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results with your Banana Oat Bread, consider the following tips:

- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.

- Thaw the apple juice concentrate and egg substitute completely before use.

- Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a denser bread.

- Check the bread for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean.

- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions

Banana Oat Bread can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For a delightful breakfast, try toasting a slice and spreading it with a thin layer of almond butter or cream cheese. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon snack.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses the creaming method to incorporate air into the corn-oil spread and dry ingredients, creating a lighter texture. The wet ingredients are then gently folded into the dry ingredients to retain as much air as possible, contributing to the bread's softness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have wheat germ, you can use additional oats or flaxseed meal as a substitute.

- Honey or maple syrup can replace the brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

- Regular eggs can be used instead of egg substitute if preferred.

Make Ahead Tips

Banana Oat Bread can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Serve slices of Banana Oat Bread on a wooden cutting board for a rustic look. Garnish with a sprinkle of oats and a few banana slices for an appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This bread pairs well with a variety of spreads, including peanut butter, honey, and fruit preserves. For a savory twist, try it with a slice of aged cheddar cheese.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Banana Oat Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster or a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Banana Oat Bread contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a relatively light option for a snack or part of a balanced breakfast.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Banana Oat Bread contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of carbohydrates in this recipe are all-purpose flour, oats, and bananas. These ingredients provide a mix of simple and complex carbohydrates, offering both immediate energy and sustained release.

Fats

This recipe is designed to be lower in fat, with each serving containing about 7 grams of fat. The light sticks (corn-oil spread) and walnuts contribute to the fat content. However, these are healthier fats that can support heart health when consumed in moderation.

Proteins

Each serving of Banana Oat Bread offers around 6 grams of protein. The wheat germ, oats, and egg substitute are significant sources of protein in this recipe, making it a more satisfying option than traditional banana bread.

Vitamins and minerals

Banana Oat Bread is rich in several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B6 from the bananas, Vitamin E from the wheat germ, and magnesium from the oats. These nutrients support various bodily functions, including immune system health and energy metabolism.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat, nuts (walnuts), and may contain traces of soy from the egg substitute. It's important for individuals with allergies to these ingredients to exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, Banana Oat Bread is a nutritious option that balances carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. It's also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome addition to any diet.

Summary

Banana Oat Bread is a versatile and nutritious recipe that combines the classic flavors of banana bread with the added benefits of oats and wheat germ. Whether you're looking for a healthy breakfast option or a satisfying snack, this bread is sure to please. With its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, it's a recipe you'll find yourself returning to again and again.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned from a visit to my friend Martha's house. Martha was known for her delicious baked goods, and I was lucky enough to have sampled some of her famous banana oat bread that day. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to get the recipe.

I asked Martha how she made the bread, and she told me that she had learned it from her own grandmother. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through the generations and was a cherished family secret. But Martha, being the kind soul that she is, agreed to share it with me.

I eagerly wrote down the recipe, making sure to note every ingredient and step in detail. As soon as I got home, I rushed to my kitchen to give it a try. I gathered all the ingredients, including ripe bananas, oats, flour, sugar, and butter. The scent of the bananas filled the air as I mashed them into a creamy pulp, adding a touch of nostalgia to the process.

I mixed the dry ingredients together in a bowl, adding the banana mixture and stirring until everything was well combined. The batter was thick and lumpy, but I knew from Martha's instructions that this was how it should be. I poured it into a greased loaf pan and popped it in the oven, eagerly awaiting the finished product.

As the bread baked, the aroma of sweet bananas and toasty oats wafted through the house. I couldn't wait to taste the final result. When the timer dinged, I pulled the loaf out of the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into it. The bread was moist and tender, with a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness from the oats.

I took a bite and was instantly transported back to Martha's kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family. The recipe had captured not just the flavors, but the memories and traditions that made it so special. I knew then that this banana oat bread would become a staple in my own kitchen, a recipe to be passed down to future generations.

Over the years, I have made this bread countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, spreading the joy and comfort that it brings. And every time I bake a loaf, I am reminded of that special moment when I first discovered the recipe, a moment that will always hold a place in my heart.

So here it is, my beloved recipe for banana oat bread, a treasure that I hold dear. May it bring you as much joy and warmth as it has brought me, and may it become a cherished tradition in your own kitchen. Enjoy!