This Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal is a warm and cozy breakfast treat! Packed with ripe bananas, oats, and a touch of cinnamon, it’s like having dessert for breakfast!
Who wouldn’t love a dish that tastes like banana bread and is good for you? I often whip up a batch ahead of time, so I can enjoy it all week—super easy and oh so tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The star of this dish! Ripe bananas are sweeter and more flavorful. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can bake regular bananas at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until soft and darkened.
Rolled Oats: I love using rolled oats, as they create a hearty texture. If you have quick oats, those work too, but the texture will be different. Steel-cut oats aren’t recommended as they need longer cooking time.
Milk: You can use any milk like almond, soy, or coconut if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. I’ve even made it with oat milk, which tastes great!
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both sweeteners give a lovely flavor. For a lower-sugar option, try using mashed dates or a sugar substitute based on your preference.
How Do You Ensure the Best Texture in Baked Oatmeal?
Getting the right texture is key. Make sure to mash the bananas well, as they will provide moisture and sweetness.
- Use the right proportion of wet to dry ingredients. Too much liquid might make it mushy, while too little can make it dry.
- Baking at the right temperature (350°F) for 35-40 minutes allows the oats to set perfectly without drying out.
- Let it cool slightly after baking. This helps it firm up a bit more, making it easier to cut into squares.
For texture, I often enjoy adding nuts for crunch and to balance the softness of the oats and bananas. Enjoy this wholesome breakfast with toppings of your choice!
Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
- Sliced banana, for topping
- Drizzle of nut butter or maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal requires about 10 minutes of preparation time and 35-40 minutes of baking time. So, in total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes to enjoy a cozy and nutritious breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your oatmeal bakes evenly. While the oven is heating, lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
Take your ripe bananas and put them in a large bowl. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash them until they are nice and smooth. This will be the base for your delicious oatmeal.
3. Mix in Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg, milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together well until it’s fully combined.
4. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). Make sure it’s mixed evenly so every bite is packed with flavor!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with your wet banana mixture. Stir everything together gently until it’s well combined. If you like nuts, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage.
6. Pour into the Baking Dish:
Transfer the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes uniformly.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s set and golden on top. The smell will be amazing!
8. Cool and Top:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, add your sliced bananas on top and drizzle with nut butter or extra maple syrup, whichever you prefer.
Enjoy your warm, comforting Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal! Perfect for a cozy breakfast or meal prep for the week!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind that the texture will be softer compared to rolled oats. If you choose quick oats, the baking time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on it while baking!
What Can I Use Instead of Maple Syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, honey is a great substitute! You can also use agave nectar or even brown sugar mixed with a bit of warm water for a liquid sweetener. Just adjust to taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or oven until heated through. You might want to add a splash of milk to moisten it up a bit!
Can I Add Other Fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries, chopped apples, or even dried fruits like raisins. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly if the fruits are particularly sweet!
