Banana Baked Oatmeal is everything you love about a comforting breakfast, wrapped up in one wholesome, irresistible dish. Imagine cozy, banana-scented oats, just sweet enough from ripe fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup, all baked to tender, golden perfection. This recipe comes together easily, fills your kitchen with incredible aromas, and serves as the perfect make-ahead breakfast that keeps everyone happy and satisfied. From lazy Sunday brunches to busy weekday mornings, Banana Baked Oatmeal makes eating well feel like a treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Banana Baked Oatmeal comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that work together beautifully. Each one plays a distinct role in creating a bake that is hearty, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet comfort.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These give your oatmeal its chewy, satisfying texture and heartiness; quick oats won’t deliver the same result.
- Baking powder: This helps the oatmeal rise a little, yielding a light and slightly cake-like texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Warm spice that deliciously complements bananas and adds irresistible aroma.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Mashed ripe bananas: The star of the show, bananas add natural sweetness, moisture, and a subtle creaminess to every bite.
- Eggs: These hold everything together and help set the oatmeal as it bakes.
- Maple syrup or honey: For a gentle, natural sweetness that pairs so nicely with the banana.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds moisture and richness; you can use any milk that fits your needs.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a fragrant note that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor twist—totally optional but highly recommended.
- Chocolate chips or sliced bananas for topping (optional): For that extra bit of decadence or a pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Banana Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with a bit of butter, oil, or nonstick spray. This step ensures that your Banana Baked Oatmeal releases easily after baking and keeps cleanup ultra simple.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients are the backbone of structure and flavor, so giving them a quick mix ensures an even flavor and texture throughout your bake.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the mashed ripe bananas right into the dry mixture, followed by the eggs, maple syrup or honey, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s well combined—no need to overmix, just make sure you don’t have dry pockets of oats! You’ll notice the mixture is quite moist; that’s perfect for a tender bake.
Step 4: Fold in the Extras
If you’re including chopped walnuts or pecans, fold them in now. The nuts bring a welcome crunch to the otherwise creamy Banana Baked Oatmeal, but feel free to skip this step if you’re after a smooth, nut-free version.
Step 5: Pour and Top
Pour the mixture into your prepped baking dish and smooth the top so it cooks evenly. Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips or lay out banana slices if you want something extra pretty (and delicious) on top.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. The aroma will be absolutely mouthwatering! Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before cutting in—this makes slicing and serving so much easier.
How to Serve Banana Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
Dress up your Banana Baked Oatmeal with a drizzle of warm maple syrup, a handful of fresh banana slices, or a sprinkling of chopped nuts. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of Greek yogurt or almond butter on top takes it straight into the breakfast hall of fame.
Side Dishes
Pair your oatmeal bake with fresh-cut fruit, a smoothie, or a crisp green salad if you want a light brunch. A hot cup of coffee or chai on the side makes for a complete, cozy morning routine.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Banana Baked Oatmeal into squares and layer them in jars with yogurt and berries for a quick parfait. Or, serve warm squares in individual bowls with ice cream for a secretly healthy dessert twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Banana Baked Oatmeal is the champion of leftovers. Simply let any remaining squares cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to five days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, making each bite just as good—if not better—the next day!
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, bake a double batch and freeze individual portions wrapped tightly or in an airtight container. Frozen squares will keep well for up to three months. Just take out what you need the night before for an easy breakfast waiting in the wings.
Reheating
Reheat Banana Baked Oatmeal in the microwave for about 45 seconds or pop it in a low oven until warmed through. It tastes freshly baked every time, especially with a splash of milk or a touch more maple syrup over the top.
FAQs
Can I make Banana Baked Oatmeal vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the eggs for flax eggs (mix 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 5 tablespoons water and let it sit until thickened), and use plant-based milk. The result is just as moist, flavorful, and satisfying.
Is Banana Baked Oatmeal gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your oats if you need to avoid gluten for dietary reasons.
Can I add other fruits or mix-ins?
Get creative! Try folding in blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples for a change of pace. You can also swap out the nuts or add shredded coconut, seeds, or even a swirl of nut butter to personalize your Banana Baked Oatmeal.
What’s the best way to mash bananas for this recipe?
The riper the banana, the better! Just peel and mash with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture if you like.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to extend the baking time by about 10 minutes—just check that the center is set and the top is golden.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Banana Baked Oatmeal enough for busy mornings, leisurely weekends, or any time you want something both nourishing and delicious. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised at just how easy and endlessly customizable it is, and chances are it will become a new classic at your table.
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Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Description
This Banana Baked Oatmeal is a delightful and wholesome breakfast treat that combines the goodness of oats, ripe bananas, and a touch of maple sweetness. It’s easy to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or sliced bananas
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add mashed bananas, eggs, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla. Stir until well combined.
- Add Nuts: Fold in chopped nuts if desired.
- Bake: Pour mixture into dish, top with optional toppings, and bake for 35–40 minutes until set.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is naturally sweetened with bananas and maple syrup.
- For a vegan version, use flax eggs and plant-based milk.
- Great for meal prep—store in the fridge and reheat as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
