Sugar-Free Banana Oat Loaf with Cocoa

This Sugar-Free Banana Oat Loaf with Cocoa is a guilt-free indulgence made with wholesome ingredients and sweetened naturally with ripe bananas. Perfect as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, this loaf is moist, chocolatey, and packed with goodness.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Soaking Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 120 g (1 ½ cups) oat flakes (gluten-free)
• 250 ml (1 cup) hot milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 eggs
• 4 tablespoons cocoa or carob powder (45 g)
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 40 g (⅓ cup) nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, or pecans), chopped
• Sugar-free dark chocolate, melted (for decoration)

Directions

1. Prepare the Oats:

• Place oat flakes in a bowl and pour hot milk over them.
• Let the oats soak for 10 minutes until they soften and absorb the milk.

2. Prepare the Banana Mixture:

• In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
• Add the eggs and whisk until fully combined.

3. Combine Ingredients:

• Add the soaked oats to the banana mixture and stir well.
• Mix in the cocoa or carob powder, a pinch of salt, and baking powder until the batter is smooth.
• Gently fold in the chopped nuts.

Read More

4. Bake:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
• Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Decorate:

• Let the loaf cool completely before removing it from the pan.
• Drizzle melted sugar-free dark chocolate over the top for decoration.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey for added creaminess.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of almond milk.

Cooking Tips

• Ensure bananas are ripe for maximum natural sweetness.
• Add a handful of sugar-free chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
• Use plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.

Nutritional Benefits

• Oats: High in fiber and heart-healthy nutrients.
• Bananas: Natural sweetness and a source of potassium.
• Cocoa: Rich in antioxidants and magnesium.
• Nuts: Provide healthy fats and protein.

Dietary Information

• Gluten-free (if using certified gluten-free oats).
• Sugar-free and naturally sweetened with bananas.
• Can be made dairy-free by using plant-based milk.

Read More

Nutritional Facts (per slice, based on 10 servings)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Fiber: 4 g

Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Naturally sweetened with bananas, making it sugar-free.
• Rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants.
• Simple to prepare and perfect for meal prep.
• A healthier alternative to traditional chocolate loaves.

Conclusion
This Sugar-Free Banana Oat Loaf with Cocoa is an easy-to-make, healthy treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without added sugars. Its moist texture, chocolatey flavor, and wholesome ingredients make it a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a nutritious indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I substitute cocoa powder with carob powder?
   Yes, carob powder works as a great alternative and is naturally sweeter.
2. Can I make this loaf egg-free?
   Yes, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
3. Can I add dried fruits to the batter?
   Absolutely! Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates make great additions.
4. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
   Yes, quick oats can be used but may result in a slightly different texture.
5. What nuts work best in this recipe?
   Walnuts, almonds, or pecans are ideal, but any nut of your choice will work.
6. Can I skip the nuts?
   Yes, you can omit nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
7. Can I use frozen bananas?
   Yes, thaw and mash the bananas before using them in the recipe.
8. What can I substitute for dark chocolate?
   Use sugar-free white chocolate or drizzle with nut butter instead.
9. How do I prevent the loaf from sticking to the pan?
   Grease the pan well or use parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, double the ingredients and use two loaf pans or a larger baking dish.