There’s something truly magical about waking up to a warm, cozy breakfast that’s both nourishing and wonderfully simple—like this 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal. No need to fuss over multiple dirty dishes or a long ingredient list. Just mix everything in one bowl and let the oven do the work! The comforting flavors of banana, maple, and cinnamon blend seamlessly with hearty oats, and there’s room to toss in your favorite berries, nuts, or chocolate chips for that special personalized touch. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy mornings or whipping up brunch for friends, this wholesome dish perfectly balances ease and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is the winning ingredient here! Each item brings something valuable to the mix—whether it’s creaminess, natural sweetness, texture, or a pop of color. Just a handful of pantry staples come together to create a breakfast you’ll want on repeat.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The heart and soul of 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal; use rolled oats for the best chewy texture.
- Mashed banana: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely moistness—bananas are the secret to that cake-like feel.
- Maple syrup: A gentle touch of pure sweetness that complements the oats and fruit.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Brings everything together and keeps the oatmeal tender; almond or oat milk work just as well as dairy.
- Vanilla extract: For that hint of fragrant warmth running through every bite.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses cozy spice and deep flavor—cinnamon and oats are a classic combo for a reason!
- Baking powder: Gives your 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal a little lift and prevents it from feeling dense.
- Salt: A must for brightening flavors and balancing the sweetness.
- Chopped nuts or seeds (optional): Walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds add delicious crunch and a bit of good fat.
- Fresh or frozen berries or chocolate chips (optional): These are your personal flair—each option adds a burst of color, flavor, or decadence.
How to Make 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s nice and hot when your oatmeal is ready to go in. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with a little oil or non-stick spray—this makes serving and clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash your banana until smooth. Pour in the maple syrup, milk of your choice, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Give everything a good stir until blended. This is the only mixing bowl you’ll need for the whole recipe—true to the 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal name!
Step 3: Add Oats and Combine
Toss your rolled oats right into the wet mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, stir until every oat is coated and the mixture is uniform. Watch as the oats soak up that sweet, spiced goodness, promising a satisfying bite later on.
Step 4: Fold In the Fun Extras
If you’re using nuts, seeds, berries, or chocolate chips, gently fold them in now. Spread the love evenly so each serving of 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal surprises you with different flavors and textures.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Carefully pour your well-mixed batter into the prepared baking dish and gently spread it out. Pop it into the hot oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns gorgeously golden and the center is set. Let your 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal cool briefly—it’ll slice beautifully and taste even better warm.
How to Serve 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
The finishing touches make this breakfast shine! Top each square with extra banana slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup. A dollop of Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt can also turn your 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal into an extra special treat.
Side Dishes
This oatmeal is hearty on its own, but you can round out your plate with seasonal fruit, a mug of creamy latte, or a simple green smoothie. If you’re serving brunch, add some scrambled eggs or a fruit salad for a well-balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal into cute squares for grab-and-go breakfasts, or serve warm from the pan for a family-style brunch. For something unexpected, layer pieces with yogurt and fruit in a parfait glass, or stack with peanut butter and berries for a breakfast sandwich twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to five days. Just cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers for easy grab-and-go mornings all week long.
Freezing
Need to plan further ahead? You can freeze 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal. Once cooled, cut it into individual servings and wrap each tightly, or store them in a freezer-safe container. This makes meal prep an absolute breeze for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual squares for 30–45 seconds until warm. Alternatively, you can place several pieces in a covered baking dish and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. Oatmeal is surprisingly forgiving, and it tastes just as wonderful after reheating!
FAQs
Can I make 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal without banana?
Absolutely! Swap the banana for an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree. You’ll maintain a similar texture while introducing a new flavor twist each time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, this 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal is totally safe for those avoiding gluten. Always check packaging to be sure!
Does it work with steel cut or quick oats?
I recommend sticking with old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe. Quick oats can get mushy, and steel cut oats won’t soften enough during baking. Rolled oats ensure the perfect texture every time.
How can I make this higher in protein?
To add a protein boost, stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder, add a handful of nuts, or serve your 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal with a side of Greek yogurt. There are so many ways to tailor it to your nutritional needs!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use a 9×13-inch baking dish and double all the ingredients. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time, but you’ll have plenty of delicious oatmeal squares to share.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an effortless and crowd-pleasing way to elevate your mornings, 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal truly deserves a spot in your breakfast rotation. It’s warm, endlessly adaptable, and comes together with minimal mess—what’s not to love? Give it a try and enjoy the cozy comfort in each bite!
Print
1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Description
This 1-Bowl Baked Oatmeal is a delicious and easy breakfast option that can be customized with your favorite add-ins. It’s a wholesome and satisfying way to start your day!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup mashed banana (about 1 large banana)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 3/4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, maple syrup, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well blended.
- Add oats: Add the oats and mix until fully combined.
- Include add-ins: Fold in any optional add-ins like nuts, berries, or chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can replace banana with applesauce or pumpkin purée.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
