Alton Brown Banana Bread Recipe

This moist, hearty Alton Brown Banana Bread Recipe puts a unique spin on the classic by using toasted oats ground into flour for a nutty, wholesome texture. Sweetened with ripe bananas and a touch of vanilla, it bakes into a golden loaf that’s flavorful and comforting. The recipe takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes from start to finish and yields 8 to 10 generous slices. Serve warm with a pat of butter or enjoy with coffee for a cozy breakfast or snack.

Alton Brown Banana Bread Recipe Ingredients

• 6 ounces old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
• 3 ounces all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 8 ounces granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (2 to 3) very ripe bananas, mashed

How To Make Alton Brown Banana Bread Recipe

1. Prep the oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
2. Toast the oats: Spread oats on a sheet pan and toast in the oven for about 15 minutes. Let cool for 2–3 minutes.
3. Make the flour blend: Process the toasted oats in a food processor until finely ground. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, and pulse to combine.
4. Cream the butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar in a stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
5. Add eggs and flavorings: Reduce speed to low, add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and mashed bananas until just combined.
6. Incorporate dry ingredients: Slowly mix in the flour mixture on low speed, scraping the bowl as needed, until just combined.
7. Bake the bread: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake 50–55 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 200–210ºF.
8. Cool before serving: Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

Recipe Tips

• Use ripe bananas: The riper, the better—brown and spotty bananas bring natural sweetness and flavor.
• Toast the oats: This step deepens the flavor and adds a wholesome texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until everything is combined for a tender crumb.
• Use a thermometer: For perfect doneness, aim for an internal temp of 200–210ºF.
• Add-ins are welcome: Fold in chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or raisins for variety.

How To Serve Banana Bread

This banana bread is delicious on its own, but also pairs beautifully with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. Serve it warm for breakfast with coffee or enjoy it sliced and toasted as a snack or dessert.

How To Store Banana Bread

Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Extend freshness by refrigerating for up to 1 week.
Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly to reheat.

Banana Bread Nutrition Facts (per slice, based on 10 servings)

• Calories: 290
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 190mg

FAQs

Can I substitute instant oats?
No—instant oats are too fine and will change the texture. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best results.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat, but it may make the bread denser.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Stir in about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chips at the end of mixing.

Why toast the oats?
Toasting enhances the flavor and helps create a heartier texture in the final loaf.

How do I know the banana bread is done?
Check that a thermometer inserted in the center reads 200–210ºF, or use a toothpick—it should come out mostly clean.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Pumpkin Pie Recipe
• Alton Brown Chicken Wings Recipe
• Alton Brown Granola Bars Recipe