Banana Bread With Chia Seeds And Oats
Introduction
Banana bread is one of the most popular comfort foods in the United States. It's delicious, easy to make, and a great way to use up ripe bananas. However, the traditional recipe is not always the healthiest option due to the amount of sugar and white flour it contains. Luckily, there are ways to make this classic treat healthier without sacrificing taste. One way to do this is by adding chia seeds and oats to the recipe. In this article, we will show you how to make banana bread with chia seeds and oats, a delicious and healthy snack that you can enjoy anytime of the day.
Ingredients
To make banana bread with chia seeds and oats, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups of rolled oats
- 1/4 cup of chia seeds
- 1/4 cup of almond milk
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- Coconut oil for greasing the pan
All of these ingredients are easily found in supermarkets or health food stores. Make sure to use ripe bananas for a sweeter taste and to mash them well to avoid lumps in the batter.
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let's get started with the recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with coconut oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rolled oats, chia seeds, almond milk, honey, eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until everything is well combined.
- Pour the batter into the greased pan and smooth out the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
That's it! Your delicious and healthy banana bread with chia seeds and oats is ready to be enjoyed. This recipe makes a great snack or breakfast option, and it's also perfect for meal prepping or bringing to work.
Benefits of Chia Seeds and Oats
Adding chia seeds and oats to your banana bread recipe not only makes it healthier, but it also comes with many benefits for your body. Here are some of the benefits:
- Chia seeds: Chia seeds are a great source of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. They can help regulate blood sugar levels, aid in digestion, and lower cholesterol.
- Oats: Oats are also high in fiber and protein, and they contain many vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. They can help lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and improve digestion.
By combining these two superfoods with bananas, which are also high in fiber and vitamins, you can create a delicious and nutritious treat that's good for your body.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, here are some variations that you can try:
- Add nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch and protein.
- Add dried fruit such as raisins, dates, or cranberries for extra sweetness.
- Add cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
- Replace the honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and find the combination that works best for you.
Conclusion
Banana bread with chia seeds and oats is a delicious and healthy snack that's easy to make and perfect for any time of the day. By adding chia seeds and oats to the traditional recipe, you can create a treat that's not only tasty but also good for your body. This recipe is also versatile, and you can customize it to your liking by adding different ingredients. So next time you have ripe bananas lying around, give this recipe a try and enjoy a guilt-free snack that will satisfy your cravings.