As a mother, I believe that moments in the kitchen can be a space for learning and growing with children. There's no need to always go out to create memorable moments, just from your own kitchen. One of our favorite weekend activities is making Banana Choco Oat Bread, a healthy steamed recipe that is not only loved by children but also packed with nutritional benefits from whole ingredients.

In my experience of implementing a real food diet, cooking with children becomes an important moment to instill an understanding of food ingredients, natural flavors, and the importance of avoiding added sugar. Banana Choco Oat Bread is a steamed bread made from ripe bananas and oat flour, without added granulated sugar, with healthy fats from coconut oil, and natural sweetness from fruit.

Made from simple ingredients found at home, this recipe is suitable as a morning snack, school lunch, or an afternoon treat without guilt.

Key Takeaways

• Simple cooking with children can strengthen bonds and develop children's skills.
• Banana Choco Oat Bread (steamed) is a nutritious snack with natural ingredients.
• Uses Greenara oat flour, rich in fiber and suitable for children's digestion.
• Steaming technique makes the bread softer, suitable for children.

Ingredients Needed

Main Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 eggs
• 100 ml coconut oil or vegetable oil
• 150 gr Greenara oat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 50 gr chocolate chips (can add more to taste)

Nutritional Content with Many Benefits

Ripe bananas are a source of complex carbohydrates, vitamin B6, and potassium, which are important for children's fluid balance and muscle function. Their natural sweetness means I don't need to add any sugar at all.

Eggs contain complete protein and choline, which are important for brain development and children's concentration during growth.

Greenara oat flour is a source of beta-glucan fiber that has been shown to support digestive health and keep you full longer. This fiber also plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels and lowering cholesterol.

Chocolate chips are used sparingly to appeal to children's taste buds. In moderation, dark chocolate also contains flavonoid antioxidants that are good for children's immune system and mood.

How to Make Banana Choco Oat Bread

Step 1

Invite Children to Mash Bananas

Let the little one help mash the bananas with a fork. While playing, mothers can explain the benefits of bananas and the importance of healthy eating.

Step 2

Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the mashed bananas, eggs, oil, and vanilla to a bowl. Invite the child to pour the ingredients one by one. Don't forget to praise them every time they help.

Step 3

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix Greenara oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Invite the child to stir slowly.

Step 4

Combine All Ingredients

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix well (just until combined, do not overmix). Add most of the chocolate chips, leaving a few for topping.

Step 5

Steam Until Cooked

Pour the batter into a heat-resistant bread pan or a greased container. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top. Steam in a steamer pot over medium heat for ±30 minutes. Cover the steamer with a cloth to prevent steam from dripping onto the batter.

For those of you who are curious about the results, check out this content!

Let's Try It at Home with Your Little One!

As a mother committed to a whole and minimally processed diet, I believe that small choices like this have a big impact on building healthy eating habits in children. This recipe contains no granulated sugar, artificial colors, or preservatives, and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Accustoming children to natural flavors from an early age will affect their palate into adulthood. Cooking together also develops fine motor skills, the ability to follow instructions, and forms positive emotional memories towards home-cooked food. So, prepare the ingredients and invite your little one to make a nutritious snack together!

*Recipe has been tested and tried by the author.

Created and developed by: Hamada Adzani in Yogyakarta.

About the author: Hamada Adzani is a young mother who wants to provide the best nutrition for her family. Blessed with an active daughter, Hamada always wants to serve food that is not only delicious but also healthy and supports her productivity.