Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread: Your Ultimate Fall Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Treat
As the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves begin to transform into vibrant hues, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your home. This season calls for cozy moments and delicious, heartwarming treats, and we’ve got just the recipe to perfectly encapsulate the spirit of fall without any guilt. Get ready to fall in love with our Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread – a truly delightful and nutritious twist on a classic comfort food. It’s not just another banana bread; it’s a celebration of autumnal flavors, packed with goodness and free from many common dietary concerns.
This isn’t just a claim; this bread is genuinely good for you! We’ve carefully crafted it to be entirely dairy-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and even oil-free. Instead, it’s bursting with wholesome ingredients and plenty of good-for-you fiber, making it an excellent choice for a healthy breakfast, a satisfying mid-day snack, or a delightful, guilt-free dessert. Its rich flavor and tender texture have quickly made it our family’s absolute favorite pumpkin-flavored treat, and we’re confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation too!
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Bob’s Red Mill. As always, all opinions are 100% mine. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make Confessions of a Fit Foodie possible.
Embracing the Cozy Season: Why This Healthy Pumpkin Bread is a Must-Bake
Here in Pennsylvania, the transition from summer to fall can be quite dramatic. One week, we’re still running the air conditioning, and the next, we’re bundling up in winter coats just for the morning bus stop! While the sudden chill can be a bit jarring, there’s one undeniable benefit: it immediately puts me in the mood for all things cozy, especially baking. You know I’m not typically a seasoned baker, but there’s something about the autumn season and the irresistible combination of pumpkin and chocolate that inspires me to whip up comforting treats regularly.
That’s precisely how this Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread came to be. It’s a festive, autumn-inspired evolution of my incredibly popular original Banana Bread recipe. But this time, I wanted to infuse it with those quintessential fall flavors, enhance its nutritional profile, and make it even more accessible for everyone, especially those with specific dietary preferences or restrictions.
The Secret Ingredient: Homemade Oat Flour for a Healthier Twist
For this particular recipe, I reached for my absolute favorite Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Rolled Oats. Instead of opting for a pre-made gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, I chose to make my own oat flour using my trusty food processor. This simple step makes a world of difference not only in the texture but also in ensuring the freshness and integrity of your gluten-free ingredients. You know what that means, right? It means I *always* have the main ingredients on hand to whip up a batch of this delicious bread, as rolled oats are a pantry staple. This convenience factor is a game-changer, which is why I’ve personally made it no less than five times in the last two weeks alone. It’s that good, that healthy, and that easy!
Using oat flour not only provides a wonderful, slightly nutty flavor and a tender texture but also adds a significant boost of whole grains and dietary fiber to your diet, contributing to a truly healthy and wholesome treat. This makes it an excellent alternative to traditional wheat flour or even other gluten-free flour blends. If you’re already a fan of using oat flour in your baking, you absolutely must check out these Gluten Free Make Ahead Freezer Waffles, which use the very same Bob’s Red Mill oats!
A Symphony of Fall Flavors and Perfect Texture
Just like a traditional banana bread, you’ll still get that delightful natural sweetness from ripe bananas and a subtle banana flavor in every bite. However, what truly elevates this loaf to a seasonal masterpiece is the incredible kick of fall flavor, courtesy of a generous amount of warming pumpkin pie spice and fragrant ground cinnamon. These aromatic spices work in perfect harmony with the banana and pumpkin puree to create a taste profile that is undeniably autumnal, wonderfully comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
Beyond the taste, the texture of this bread is simply amazing – exceptionally moist, tender, and light. This fantastic texture is largely thanks to the significant amount of pumpkin puree used in the recipe. The pumpkin acts as a natural fat substitute, contributing moisture and richness without the need for any added oils or butter. That’s right – no oil, no butter, just pure, wholesome ingredients contributing to its deliciousness and incredible mouthfeel. This is a true testament to some clever baking magic, transforming simple, nutrient-dense ingredients into something extraordinary, incredibly healthy, and utterly delicious.
Optional Indulgence: Chocolate Chips and Peanut Butter Perfection
While this bread is a powerhouse of healthy goodness on its own, sometimes a little indulgence is in order. If you choose to add dairy-free chocolate chips, you’ll be introducing an extra layer of decadence and delightful texture that is absolutely worth it. The small pockets of melted chocolate enhance the overall flavors beautifully, creating a more dessert-like experience. The bread is undeniably delicious without them, offering a pure, unadulterated taste of fall. However, if you’re looking to truly elevate the experience, don’t hesitate to fold in those chocolate chips. Better yet, consider making one loaf with chips and one without, so you can enjoy both healthy versions depending on your mood or dietary goals! This way, you can truly be winning at life and enjoy a satisfying slice every single day.
And for a truly irresistible and comforting touch? I absolutely love to serve a warm slice of this Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread with a generous drizzle of warm, creamy peanut butter (or almond butter, if you prefer). The combination of warm, moist bread, fragrant pumpkin spice, and nutty peanut butter is pure heaven – a flavor explosion that will have you saying, “Come to momma!” with every bite. It’s the perfect way to make this healthy treat feel extra special.
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Pumpkin Bread FAQs
We’ve gathered some of the most common questions about this healthy pumpkin bread to help you bake with confidence and enjoy every delicious bite!
How to Make Oat Flour from Scratch
Making your own oat flour is incredibly simple, cost-effective, and ensures you always have a fresh, gluten-free flour option on hand. To create the oat flour for this recipe, you’ll simply take your desired amount of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Rolled Oats – or any other certified gluten-free rolled oats – and place them into your food processor or a high-powered blender. Pulse the oats continuously for several minutes until they are finely ground into a consistent, powdery flour-like consistency. It’s crucial to aim for a very fine flour to ensure the best possible texture in your baked bread. If you notice any larger, un-milled oat flakes, either sift them out using a fine-mesh sieve or continue pulsing until they are fully incorporated into the flour. With Bob’s Red Mill brand, I typically find a 1:1 ratio of whole oats to oat flour, meaning 2 cups of rolled oats will yield approximately 2 cups of oat flour. However, it’s always best practice to measure your flour *after* processing to ensure you have the precise 2 cups needed for this recipe’s success. If you don’t have a food processor, a blender can certainly work as well; just ensure you blend until it’s consistently fine, stopping and shaking the blender periodically to ensure even grinding.
Can I Substitute Other Flours for Oat Flour?
While this recipe is specifically developed using homemade oat flour for its unique flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits, I understand that sometimes substitutions are necessary based on pantry availability or dietary needs. Based on my experience with the original banana bread recipe, I believe you could successfully substitute either a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or regular whole wheat flour (if you don’t require the recipe to be gluten-free). However, please keep in mind that different flours absorb liquids differently. Oat flour tends to be quite absorbent, so if you’re swapping, I recommend starting with a bit less of the wet ingredients (like milk) and adding more as needed until your batter reaches a thick, yet pourable, consistency similar to the one described in the recipe. Always use your best judgment and adjust as necessary for the best results when making substitutions.
Storing Your Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread
To keep your delicious Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread fresh, moist, and flavorful for as long as possible, proper storage is essential. If you plan to enjoy the bread within 1-2 days of baking, you can comfortably leave it on the kitchen counter. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or stored in an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out and maintains its tender crumb. For extended freshness, especially if you’ve made a larger batch or want to savor it for up to a week, it’s best to store the bread in your refrigerator. When refrigerated in an airtight container, it will stay wonderfully fresh and moist for up to 5 days. You can easily slice it and enjoy it cold, or gently warm individual slices in the microwave or a toaster oven for that comforting, freshly baked taste.
Freezing Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread for Later
Absolutely! This Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread freezes beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping or having a convenient, healthy treat readily available whenever a craving strikes. To freeze, ensure the bread is completely cooled to room temperature first; freezing warm bread can lead to condensation and ice crystals. You can freeze it as a whole loaf, which is great for entertaining, or slice it into individual portions for easy grab-and-go options. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then add another layer of aluminum foil or place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty ziplock bag. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the bread tasting as fresh as the day it was baked. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or gently reheat a slice in the microwave for a quick and warm treat.
Is This Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread Truly Gluten and Dairy-Free?
Yes, this Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread is meticulously designed to be both gluten-free and dairy-free, but with a crucial detail regarding oats! It is indeed gluten-free because we are specifically using *certified Gluten-Free Rolled Oats*. It’s vital for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities to remember that not all oats are inherently gluten-free. Oats can often be cross-contaminated with gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye during farming, harvesting, or processing in facilities that handle these grains. Therefore, always look for packaging clearly labeled “certified gluten-free” to ensure safety. For a comprehensive understanding of this important topic and to ensure you’re making an informed choice for your health, I highly recommend checking out this super informative post: Are Oats Gluten-Free? before you head to the grocery store!
Similarly, this bread is also dairy-free, provided you carefully select dairy-free chocolate chips if you choose to include them. Many excellent brands now offer delicious dairy-free chocolate chips that melt beautifully and taste just as good as their dairy counterparts; I personally love the Enjoy Life Brand for their consistent quality and great taste. Always double-check ingredient labels on all your components to ensure your chosen chocolate chips and any other add-ins meet your specific dairy-free dietary requirements.
Making Muffins Instead of a Loaf
Great question! This versatile Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread batter works absolutely wonderfully for muffins too, offering a convenient and perfectly portioned treat! In fact, I often make them as muffins, and even as mini muffins, for quick grab-and-go breakfasts or healthy, wholesome snacks for my son’s preschool. The baking times will naturally vary depending on the size of your muffins: mini muffins are typically ready quite quickly, in about 10 minutes, while regular-sized muffins will take approximately 15-18 minutes to bake through completely. To check for doneness, simply insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! Just like the loaf, muffins also freeze exceptionally well. I currently have a stash in my freezer, always ready for busy mornings or whenever a wholesome, satisfying snack is needed. They’re a fantastic way to manage portions, reduce waste, and ensure you always have a healthy treat within easy reach.
Join Our Family in Loving This Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread!
I genuinely hope you and your loved ones enjoy this Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread as much as my family and I do. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful creation that perfectly blends wholesome ingredients with incredible, comforting fall flavors, making healthy eating both easy and exceptionally delicious. It’s truly a game-changer for guilt-free indulgence during the vibrant autumn season and beyond! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a healthy treat, this bread is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home.
A special thank you to Bob’s Red Mill for sponsoring this post. It means so much to me to work with brands that I love and use in my kitchen daily, helping me create and share amazing, nutritious recipes like this with you!
More Delightful and Healthy Pumpkin Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this wholesome and flavorful pumpkin banana bread, you’ll love exploring more of our healthy pumpkin-inspired dishes. The versatility of pumpkin in both sweet and savory recipes is truly amazing! Here are a few more fantastic recipes to keep your fall baking and cooking exciting, delicious, and nutritious:
- Healthy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
- Healthy Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins
- 21 Day Fix Pumpkin Custard Bars | The Foodie and The Fix
- 21 Day Fix Pumpkin French Toast | Carrie Elle
- Chocolate Pumpkin Cups
Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread Recipe
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-free Old Fashioned Oats
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 2/3 cup mashed ripe bananas about 2 small or 1 1/2 large ripe bananas
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- ¼ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or sub whatever milk you have on hand
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup dairy free chocolate chips optional
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 160°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there’s a generous overhang on the longer sides for easy removal of the baked bread. Alternatively, grease the loaf pan thoroughly with coconut oil or a non-stick coconut oil spray to prevent sticking.
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To create your homemade oat flour, place the 2 cups of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Old Fashioned Oats into your food processor or a powerful blender. Pulse continuously for a few minutes until the oats are finely ground into a consistent, powdery flour. Once processed, measure the resulting flour to ensure you have exactly two cups for the recipe’s optimal consistency and success.
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In a large mixing bowl, begin by whisking together the liquid sweeteners: the honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. Next, crack in the two eggs and beat the mixture vigorously until it becomes light, frothy, and well-integrated. Finally, gently whisk in the mashed ripe bananas and the unsweetened vanilla almond milk, ensuring all the wet ingredients are smoothly and evenly incorporated.
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In a separate, smaller bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: the prepared oat flour, gluten-free baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed, which is crucial for uniform leavening and flavor. Then, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently using a spatula or wooden spoon, folding just until the batter comes together and no streaks of dry flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop gluten (even in gluten-free oats) and lead to a tougher bread.
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If you’re opting for a delightful touch of sweetness and added texture, now is the time to gently fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter using your spatula, taking care not to overwork the mixture at this stage.
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Pour the prepared batter evenly into your lined or greased loaf pan. Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 to 45 minutes. Baking time may vary depending on your specific oven and the moisture content of your pumpkin and bananas, so keep a close eye on it. The bread is perfectly baked when a toothpick inserted into the very center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows it to set properly and makes it easier to remove. After 10 minutes, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your wholesome, moist, and utterly delicious Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread!
Notes
WW: 6 points (per slice) [Calculated WITH chocolate chips]
Nutrition