Honey-Sweetened Banana Oat Bread (With a Sneaky Veggie Boost!)

Looking for a naturally sweetened banana bread that’s hearty, wholesome, and family-friendly? This oat-based loaf checks all the boxes—and then some. It's sweetened with ripe bananas, honey, and dates (no refined sugar!), and sneaks in a full serving of carrots for added moisture and a gentle veggie boost.

This is a great way to use up overripe bananas and any extra carrots hanging out in the fridge. Plus, it’s made with oat flour—perfect if you’re keeping things gluten-free. We love it sliced warm with a little butter or nut butter on top.

  • Prep Time: 15-20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 50-65 minutes

  • Serving Size: 6-8 slides

  • Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients

Honey-Sweetened Banana Oat Bread (With a Sneaky Veggie Boost!)

Instructions

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STEP 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish (we used a 7x5 Pyrex glass dish) or line it with parchment paper.

STEP 2

Make the oat flour if needed: blend rolled oats in a blender or food processor until they resemble a fine flour.

STEP 3

Mix dry ingredients in a medium bowl: oat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

STEP 4

In a blender or food processor, blend wet ingredients: soaked dates, mashed bananas, eggs, honey, vanilla, and oil/applesauce until smooth.

STEP 5

Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, then fold in the grated carrots and any optional add-ins.

STEP 6

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

STEP 7

Bake for 50–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent with foil toward the end of baking.

Step 7 image

STEP 8

Cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Step 8 image