This Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal Recipe is the perfect warm, comforting dish to start your morning with a boost of wholesome goodness. Imagine tender baked oats blended with naturally sweet mashed bananas and crunchy nuts that add a delightful texture in every bite. It’s a simple yet nourishing breakfast that brings together flavors and ingredients you probably already love, transforming everyday pantry staples into a cozy, crowd-pleasing morning treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal Recipe are wonderfully straightforward, but each plays a crucial role to deliver the perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition. From the creamy mashed bananas that naturally sweeten the dish, to the cinnamon that adds a warm spice note, every item is essential to making this recipe shine.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: These bring natural sweetness and moisture, making the oatmeal tender and flavorful.
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base that gives your oatmeal its satisfying chew and fiber content.
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy): Provides creaminess and helps bind everything together.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness contrast.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey: Enhances sweetness with a natural, rich flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Uplifts the entire mixture with a subtle, aromatic note.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and depth into every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a gentle lift to the baked oatmeal for a light texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and spices perfectly.
- 1 egg (optional): Adds additional structure and helps bind ingredients if you prefer a firmer bake.
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional): Introduces bursts of chewy sweetness for extra interest.
How to Make Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This little prep helps everything bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash those ripe bananas with a fork until they’re nice and smooth. The bananas are the heart of this recipe, lending natural sweetness and moisture that give the baked oatmeal its tender texture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the milk, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and if you’re using it, the egg, into the mashed bananas. Stir these ingredients well to create a combined, smooth wet mixture that will bind with your oats beautifully.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients bring texture, spice, and a light lift to your oatmeal.
Step 5: Bring it All Together
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl and stir gently until everything is fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick but pourable, ready to transform into that cozy baked dish.
Step 6: Add Nuts and Dried Fruit
Fold in the chopped nuts along with the raisins or dried cranberries, if you choose to include them. These little extras add wonderful texture and a burst of flavor in each bite.
Step 7: Transfer and Bake
Pour your oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This helps it cook uniformly, ensuring each square is perfectly baked.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the top turns golden and the oatmeal is set. You can test doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the oatmeal to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a spoonful of creamy yogurt to elevate this simple breakfast into a luxurious experience.
How to Serve Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
Top your warm slices with fresh banana slices, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a dusting of cinnamon for an inviting presentation. These little garnishes not only look stunning but also enhance texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this baked oatmeal with a side of fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even a warm cup of coffee or tea. These extras complement the hearty flavors and make your breakfast feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your baked oatmeal in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve touch, or layer it with yogurt and fruit in parfait glasses for a pretty brunch option that’s as lovely as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover banana nut baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It stays moist and flavorful, perfect for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them into a freezer bag. Frozen baked oatmeal keeps well for up to 2 months and makes for a convenient grab-and-go breakfast.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help restore its soft, baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can substitute quick oats, rolled oats provide better texture and structure for this Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal Recipe. Quick oats might make the bake slightly mushier and less chewy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and swap the egg with a flax egg or another plant-based binder. Maple syrup instead of honey keeps the sweetness vegan-friendly.
Can I add other nuts or seeds to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds to your liking. Each choice will add its own unique crunch and flavor profile.
What’s the best way to reheat baked oatmeal?
The microwave works great for a quick warm-up, but if you want a crispier top, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
Can I make this Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure you use certified gluten-free oats and double-check all other ingredients are free of gluten contamination. This makes the dish safe and enjoyable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal Recipe is a true game-changer for your breakfast routine. It’s easy to make, packed with comforting flavors, and endlessly versatile to suit your taste and lifestyle. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s become one of my all-time favorite dishes to share with friends and family!
Print
Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal is a wholesome and delicious breakfast dish that combines ripe bananas, rolled oats, and crunchy nuts baked to golden perfection. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey, and optionally enriched with an egg for structure, this baked oatmeal offers a comforting, nutrient-rich start to your day. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for busy mornings.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (optional, for added structure)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (or your choice of nuts)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the baked oatmeal.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until smooth to help naturally sweeten and bind the oatmeal.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the milk, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and egg (if using) to the mashed bananas. Stir everything well to create a uniform wet mixture.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these separately ensures even distribution of dry leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a thick batter.
- Add Nuts and Dried Fruit: Fold in the chopped nuts and raisins or dried cranberries if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for texture and flavor.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the Oatmeal: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is fully set. Test by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for a few minutes to set further before slicing. Serve warm, optionally topped with extra maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or any of your favorite nuts.
- The egg is optional but helps provide better structure and binding.
- For a vegan version, omit the egg and use a plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest can enhance the flavor.
