Oat Flour Banana Bread: Moist, Wholesome, Gluten-Free

This guide walks you through how to make the best oat flour banana bread: moist, dense, naturally sweet, and entirely gluten-free. Whether you’re looking for a healthier banana bread alternative or baking for dietary reasons, oat flour offers a rich flavour, fibre, and a rustic crumb that holds up beautifully.

You’ll find an easy-to-follow step-by-step recipe, expert baking tips, and insights into how oat flour compares to all-purpose flour. Additionally, we’ll address common questions and direct you to more must-try banana-based treats, such as our Best Hawaiian Banana Bread and Perfect Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins.

A Southern Twist on Oat Flour Banana Bread

From My Kitchen in Tennessee

Banana bread has always been a staple in my kitchen. One rainy day, I had ripe bananas but no flour. What did I have? Rolled oats. I tossed them in my blender, crossed my fingers, and baked them. The result? A beautifully moist, rustic loaf with a nutty flavour, I instantly fell in love with.

Unlike refined white flour, oat flour brings fiber, beta-glucan, and slow-burning energy to every bite—nutrients linked to heart and gut health according to Harvard’s take on the benefits of whole grain oats.

Unlike the typical light loaf, this oat flour banana bread version is body—dense in the best way. If you’ve enjoyed my 4-Ingredient Banana Bread, you’ll love this heartier take.

With oat flour banana bread, the bread doesn’t just taste better—it feels better. It’s satisfying, fibre-rich, and naturally sweet.

Step-by-Step Oat Flour Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups oat flour (or 2¼ cups rolled oats, blended)
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 eggs (or flax eggs)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, walnuts, or blueberries

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×5″ loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk bananas, eggs, syrup, oil, and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, mix oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Combine wet and dry mixtures. Fold in extras if using.
5. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake for 45–50 minutes. The toothpick should come out clean.
6. Cool for 10 minutes in a pan, then on a wire rack.

This loaf pairs beautifully with nut butter or a drizzle of honey, and stores well for 3–4 days.

Oat Flour Banana Bread vs All-Purpose Flour in Banana Bread

Nutrition Meets Comfort

Oat flour is made from whole-grain oats, offering more fibre and natural sweetness. All-purpose flour lacks fibre and can spike blood sugar, while oat flour promotes steady energy.

Since oat flour lacks gluten, it creates a denser, more rustic texture that doesn’t rise as much as white flour—though it remains ideal for quick breads like banana bread. For more on how gluten-free flours compare, this guide by King Arthur Baking is incredibly helpful.

Texture & Rise

Oat flour yields a denser, moister loaf. It won’t rise like wheat flour since it lacks gluten, but it creates a satisfying crumb. Want a bit more lift? Add ½ teaspoon of baking powder along with the baking soda.

Flavor Notes

oat flour banana bread adds a mild nuttiness, enhancing the banana flavour. In contrast, all-purpose flour provides a versatile base. If you loved the texture of my Banana Bread Without Baking Soda, this recipe offers that depth, without compromising on nutrition.

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Customize It Your Way

Make It Vegan or Gluten-Free

Use flax eggs and maple syrup for a vegan loaf. For gluten-free needs, ensure oats are certified GF.

Fun Add-ins

Get creative with:

• Chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
• Toasted walnuts or pecans
• Coconut flakes
• Diced apples or blueberries

You can even swirl in peanut butter or almond butter, like in our Oat Flour Bread Recipe.

Serving & Storing

Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. It freezes well, too—slice and wrap for grab-and-go mornings.

For more cosy bakes, try my Easy Cinnamon Streusel Muffins or The Best Brown Butter Banana Bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Blend rolled oats into a fine powder to make homemade oat flour—perfect for banana bread.

2- Is oat flour good for baking bread?

Absolutely. Oat flour is great in quick breads, such as banana bread. It adds flavour, fibre, and a tender crumb.

3- Can I substitute oat flour for all-purpose flour in bread?

In quick bread, yes—use 1:1 by volume, not weight. Expect a denser texture; adjust liquids as needed.

4- Does oat flour rise with yeast?

Not well. Oat flour lacks gluten, making it a better choice for quick breads. For yeast-based recipes, mix it with gluten flour.