If there’s one dessert I turn to when I want something wholesome, decadent, and totally guilt free, it’s this gluten free, no sugar, no butter cocoa oat banana bake. With just a handful of clean ingredients, this recipe transforms pantry basics into a rich, moist, and deeply satisfying treat. No flour, no refined sugar, no butter yet it tastes like something you’d serve at a café.
Why I Love Baking This on Repeat
This recipe is everything I want in a dessert fast to mix, made with simple ingredients, and incredibly adaptable. Whether I’m serving kids after school, prepping snacks for a hike, or just curbing my own late night craving, this one always delivers. The bananas give natural sweetness, oats bring in fiber, cocoa makes it rich, and the nuts add a perfect soft crunch.
No sugar needed: Bananas bring natural sweetness
No flour or gluten: Rolled oats provide structure and texture
Flexible ingredients: Works with carob, vegan egg, or different nuts
One bowl + bake: Simple process, easy cleanup
Ingredients You’ll Need
120 g (1½ cup) rolled oats
250 ml (1 cup) hot milk (dairy or plant based)
2 medium ripe bananas
2 eggs or vegan substitute (like flax eggs)
4 tbsp cocoa or carob powder (45 g)
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp baking powder
40 g (⅓ cup) chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
How I Make This Dessert
Step by Step Process
Step by Step Process
Soak the oats: Mix the rolled oats with hot milk in a large bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften and bind.
Prepare the banana mix: In a second bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Add eggs or flax eggs and mix well.
Add cocoa + dry ingredients: Stir cocoa, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into the banana mixture.
Combine wet and dry: Pour banana cocoa mixture into the soaked oats. Stir until fully blended.
Fold in the nuts: Add your chopped nuts of choice and stir lightly to combine.
Bake: Pour batter into a greased or parchment lined baking dish. Bake at 180°C (360°F) for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool + slice: Let cool slightly before cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Chef Tips for Best Results
Use ripe bananas: The browner, the better for sweetness and moisture
Choose quality cocoa: It gives a rich depth that makes this feel indulgent
Let it rest: After baking, a short rest helps it firm up and slice cleanly
Try carob powder: For a naturally sweet alternative that’s caffeine free
Variations I Recommend
Customize It to Your Cravings
Chocolate chip version: Add ¼ cup dark chocolate chips before baking
Berry banana bake: Fold in ½ cup blueberries or raspberries
Spiced twist: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or chai spice blend
Nut free: Use sunflower seeds or skip the nuts entirely
Sometimes I even spread a thin layer of peanut butter or tahini on top before baking it adds richness and looks amazing when sliced. These tricks are the same I use in our 5 minute oat pancakes to keep things fresh without making new recipes from scratch.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Freezer friendly: Slice into bars and store in freezer safe bags
Reheat friendly: Warm a slice in the microwave or toaster oven for 1-2 minutes
Snack box staple: Great for kids and adults as a midday energy boost
I often bake it Sunday evening and have dessert for the entire week or breakfast, because it’s that balanced. The oats and bananas hold up perfectly in storage, and each slice is just as moist on day four as it was fresh out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
Dress It Up or Keep It Simple
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