Banana Bread Recipe | Whole Wheat & Oat Banana Loaf

This easy banana bread combines ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, rolled oats and almond meal for a soft, comforting loaf. With Greek yogurt and eggs adding protein, it makes a simple homemade option for breakfast or a snack.

Recipe Information

Serves: 10
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes

Why This Recipe Works for Diabetes

This banana bread combines whole wheat flour, rolled oats and almond meal, which provide fiber and make the loaf more substantial than one made with refined flour alone.

Each serving contains approximately 28.2 g of carbohydrate and 3 g of fiber. The bananas and honey contribute to the carbohydrate content, so serving size is important when considering how this recipe fits into your overall eating pattern and diabetes management.

Nutritional Highlights

Per serving (1/10 of the loaf – approx.):

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup almond meal
• 3 large, ripe bananas, mashed
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup milk of your choice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup reduced-fat Greek yogurt

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the top with a pastry brush and olive oil.
3. Dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, almond meal, oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
4. Wet ingredients: In a large, separate bowl, mash the bananas, then whisk in the honey, olive oil, milk, yogurt, vanilla and eggs.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently stir with a spatula until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle with cinnamon or extra oats.
6. Bake for about 30 minutes, then loosely cover with foil to prevent over-browning. Bake for a further 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Diabetes-Friendly Tips

• One serving contains approximately 28.2 g of carbohydrate, so keep the serving size in mind when planning your meal or snack.
• The recipe already includes whole wheat flour, oats and almond meal for added fiber.
• Serve a slice with Greek yogurt for additional protein.
• If you notice that bananas or honey affect your blood glucose, consider your individual response and discuss suitable portions with your healthcare team.

Make It Into Muffins

Want something easier to pack? Turn this banana bread into individual muffins — a handy option for lunch boxes, breakfast on the go or a quick snack.

Divide the batter evenly between a greased or lined muffin tin and bake until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time will be shorter than for a full loaf, so start checking after around 20–25 minutes.

Muffins can also make portions easier to keep consistent. The carbohydrate per muffin will depend on how many muffins you make from the batter.

For an easy lunch-box option, allow the muffins to cool completely before packing them. They can also be frozen individually so you can grab one when you need it.

1. Can I use very ripe bananas?
Yes. The recipe calls for large, ripe bananas, which provide sweetness and moisture.

2. Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes. Use whichever milk best suits your preferences and dietary needs.

3. What is the best way to tell when the banana bread is cooked?
Insert a skewer into the middle of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is cooked. Loosely covering the loaf with foil after the first 30 minutes helps prevent over-browning.

4. Can I use almond flour instead of almond meal?
Almond meal and almond flour vary in texture and how finely they are ground. For the closest result, use almond meal as listed.

5. Is banana bread suitable for people managing diabetes?
It can be included as part of a balanced eating pattern, but this recipe contains carbohydrates from the bananas, honey, flour and oats. One serving provides approximately 28.2 g of carbohydrate, so portion size and individual blood glucose response are worth considering.

Explore our blog for more diabetes-friendly recipes.

Disclaimer: This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health provider with any questions about your condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately, or visit your nearest emergency care center.

General information, not medical advice. Always talk to your diabetes care team about your care.