Cyclists know the importance of keeping energy levels steady for peak performance. While energy bars and gels are popular, nothing beats a homemade alternative that’s cost-effective, delicious, and packed with nutrients. Enter banana bread—a simple, affordable option perfect for pre- or post-ride snacks.

Why Banana Bread Is Perfect for Cyclists

This easy-to-make recipe is loaded with carbohydrates to fuel your rides, a touch of natural sweetness for quick energy, and wholesome ingredients to keep you satisfied. Whether you’re heading out for a long climb or refueling after a tough ride, banana bread is a cyclist-friendly option you can bake in bulk and carry in your jersey pocket.

Ingredients

• 100 g oats
• 150 g regular flour
• 1 sachet baking powder
• Cinnamon to taste
• 3 large bananas (2 for the batter, 1 for topping)
• 2 medium eggs
• 1 tablespoon honey (or alternative sweeteners like pitted dates)
• Milk (optional, to adjust consistency)
  
• Picans (This is optional but adds some excitement)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 160°C.
2. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or use a silicone mold.
3. Mash two bananas in a large bowl. Add eggs and honey, mixing until smooth.
4. In another bowl, combine oats, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined.
6. If the batter feels too thick, add a splash of milk to keep the texture soft and moist after baking.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and slice the remaining banana for topping.
8. Bake for 40 minutes. At the 35-minute mark, use a toothpick or knife to check doneness. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. If not, bake a little longer, covering the top with foil to prevent burning.

Nutritional Information

The entire loaf provides:

• Calories: 1527 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 286 g
• Proteins: 43 g
• Fats: 19 g

Cut into 10 portions, each slice contains approximately 152 kcal and 28 g of carbohydrates—similar to a 40 g energy bar, but at a fraction of the cost. This recipe costs around €3 for 10 servings, making it an unbeatable alternative to store-bought snacks.

Make It Your Own

This banana bread recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to add your own twists. Consider mixing in:

• Vanilla extract or cocoa powder for added flavor.
• Berries, dark chocolate chunks, or chopped nuts for texture.
• Peanut butter for a protein boost.

You can also experiment with the format: bake a loaf, use muffin molds, or create individual bars for easy portability during your rides.