Transform those overripe bananas into a breakfast treat with our Healthy Baked Banana Bread Oatmeal! Loaded with wholesome rolled oats, infused with warm spices, and featuring ripe bananas, this gluten-free recipe is a budget-friendly gem that tastes just like dessert.
The best part is that this recipe is so incredibly simple and is perfect for
Table of Contents
- Why We Love Banana Bread Oatmeal
- Is Banana Baked Oatmeal Healthy?
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make the Best Healthy Baked Oatmeal
- Add-Ins and Variations
- Easy Substitutions & Swaps
- Make-Ahead and Storage Options
- Can I Use Steel Cut Oats Instead?
- More Oatmeal Recipes You’ll Love
- Banana Bread Oatmeal Recipe Recipe
Why We Love Banana Bread Oatmeal
We’re huge fans of banana bread and have several variations like this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Skillet and Chocolate Hazelnut Banana Bread. However, it doesn’t always leave us feeling fueled. So, we decided to take it to the next level and turned it into a satisfying breakfast with this Healthy Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal!
This baked oatmeal has all the traditional banana bread flavor you love — it’s a decadent breakfast that tastes like dessert! However, that’s just one of the many reasons why we love this banana baked oatmeal. For instance, it’s also:
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Full of good-for-you ingredients and easy to customize to fit all your needs.
- Great for
meal prep . - Kid-friendly for a nutrient-rich breakfast the whole family will enjoy!
Is Banana Baked Oatmeal Healthy?
Yes! Banana baked oatmeal can be a super healthy breakfast choice when you use the right ingredients, and we do! Full of vitamins and nutrients, this banana bread oatmeal is loaded with potassium and vitamin B6 thanks to the bananas. Plus, the oatmeal provides an excellent source of whole grains and fiber to keep you full, and the eggs pack in protein and healthy fats for a well-rounded recipe.
Then, we added a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips for a boost of antioxidants that make this healthy breakfast taste like a treat. If you wanted, you could even omit the brown sugar to make it refined sugar-free!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Take a look at the ingredients below to find all the pantry staples you’ll need!
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – Rolled oats work best for baking, but quick oats could be used as well. If following a gluten-free diet, make sure they come from a certified gluten-free factory! Otherwise, they may be cross-contaminated with other gluten-containing ingredients.
- Brown Sugar – We love to include a sprinkle of brown sugar to make this banana bread oatmeal extra sweet. However, if you prefer, you can omit it completely or swap it out for a natural sweetener such as agave or maple syrup. Just note that you may need to adjust the ingredient amounts as the texture will vary.
- Baking Powder – This is our secret to creating super fluffy baked oats!
- Spices – For a warm banana bread flavor, we included cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Milk – Any type of milk you prefer works fine.
- Bananas – Key to creating banana bread oatmeal, the fruit creates a soft texture and incredible flavor. The riper they are, the more delicious your oatmeal will be!
- Egg – This is crucial to providing structure to the recipe so that your healthy baked oatmeal holds together.
- Vanilla Extract – Don’t forget the vanilla! It helps enhance the flavor of the rest of the ingredients.
- Unsalted Butter – Once melted, this takes your oatmeal recipe to the next level.
How to Make the Best Healthy Baked Oatmeal
This recipe is the easiest breakfast you’ll ever make! All you have to do is toss the ingredients together, pop them in the oven, and it’ll be done in no time. Take a look at an overview of the instructions below, and don’t forget to scroll to the bottom for the full details.
- Preheat your oven, and spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Combine all of the ingredients except for the chocolate, and add them to the dish.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Bake until firm and slightly golden on top.
- Add your favorite toppings, and serve!
Air Fryer Option
- Preheat your
air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. - Combine all the ingredients except the chocolate. Then, add them to an
air fryer -safe bowl, and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. - Air fry for 35 minutes or until the oatmeal is set.
- Add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Add-Ins and Variations
This healthy baked oatmeal is super versatile and easy to spice up with all your favorite add-ins, toppings, and extras! Some of our favorite options include
- Fresh Berries
- Raisins or Cranberries
- Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
- Peanut Butter
- Protein Powder (You’ll likely need to add more liquid)
- Or even whipped cream!
Easy Substitutions & Swaps
If needed, feel free to make substitutions to fit all your dietary and allergy needs. For instance, you can:
- Swap out the butter for a non-dairy option or use oil instead
- Replace the nuts with your favorite seeds
- Swap out the egg for a flax egg using a combination of flax meal and water
- Replace the banana with pumpkin, applesauce, or even mashed sweet potato instead
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
You can absolutely make your healthy banana bread oatmeal ahead of time, and store it for later! We love to bake it ahead of time to reheat and eat throughout the week. However, it also makes for a great make-ahead brunch that will leave your house smelling heavenly!
To Bake and Reheat: Make your banana bread oatmeal according to the directions, leave it to cool, and place it in your refrigerator. When you want to heat it up again, simply preheat your oven, and place the oats back in for 5-10 minutes. Or, just pop a portion in the microwave!
To Prep the Night Before: Mix all the dry ingredients in one bowl, and all the wet ingredients in another. Store the bowls in the fridge overnight. Then, in the morning just mix them together, bake, and enjoy!
Storage Options
Fridge: Store your healthy baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For the best results, we recommend slicing your oatmeal into individual servings. Then, wrap them with cling wrap, and store them in a sealable bag for up to 6 months.
Can I Use Steel Cut Oats Instead?
We don’t recommend using steel cut oats, because they require a different liquid ratio and a lot more moisture! As a result, you will have to alter the recipe, and it may not bake correctly.
More Oatmeal Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed learning how to make banana bread oatmeal then you’ll definitely love our other oatmeal recipes. Don’t forget to try these great recipes too:
- A match made in heaven, fresh peaches and blueberries combine in these Peach Blueberry Baked Oats for the perfect healthy breakfast option.
- Budget-friendly and decadent, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal tastes like dessert but is actually good for you!
- Perfectly sweet and made with just a hint of spice, you’re going to want to make a big batch of this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal for an easy meal to enjoy throughout the week.
- The ultimate superfood breakfast, these Date & Apricot Overnight Oats are made the night before for a game-changing
meal prep breakfast!
Banana Bread Oatmeal Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 3 whole bananas, mashed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
- Spray an 11×7 non-stick baking dish with cooking spray.
- Add all ingredients except the chocolate chips to the prepared baking dish – bananas, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir together until well combined. Top with dark chocolate chips.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the oatmeal is set and golden brown on top.
- Slice and serve with toppings of choice.
Video
Notes
- Try toasting the walnuts to give them a bit of an extra crunch!
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Feel free to serve your banana bread oatmeal with additional toppings like various nuts, unsweetened coconut flakes, dried fruit, peanut butter, and even whipped cream.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is easy and absolutely delicious. I will leave out the chocolate chips next time, as they add an unnecessary flavor. I may try butterscotch or peanut butter chips next, or more likely leave out chips completely. Thank you for this very simple, flavorful recipe!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Jeri! We’d love to know how it goes if you add something else.
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
So good and easy. I had to bake a little longer (10min more) to get it to set but maybe because I used an 8×8 pan.
Yes, that could do it! We’re so glad you enjoy it, Carol. ๐
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Can this be made in large muffin cups? I like it as a bake but I canโt get my husband to control his portions. Apparently he really likes it!
We haven’t tested it but think it would work! Just keep a close eye on it, and adjust the baking time as needed. We’d love to know how it goes if you do give it a try!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Very cool ๐ โค๏ธ
Thank you!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I have been making this 2-3 times a month since I found the recipe in January – it is so good! It makes bfast meal prep so easy. I make it as-is and bake a little longer for a little firmer set. My family loves chopped pecans or pistachios at serving. Thank you so much, ladies – this is such a great dish! I really need to try a couple of the other flavor profiles of this that you have.
This made our day, Cat! Thank you! We’re so glad you love the recipe and appreciate you taking the time to leave such kind feedback. ๐
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
๐๐ผ๐โ๏ธ๐โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ U ๐๐
Love, love this recipe. Iโve made it 3 times in the past two weeks!!! I now put my own twist on itโฆitโs iso easy to incorporate different fruits, chia seeds, flaxseed, etc Depending on the amount of other ingredients, I add one more egg and increase the milk and voilร ๐
We’re so glad you enjoy it and are able to adjust it! Thank you for trying it out. ๐
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
My kids LOVE this oatmeal bake. Huge winner.
I substituted 1/4 cup honey for the sugar and added blueberries instead of chocolate chips.
We’re so glad you enjoy it and are able to make it work for you!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
My kids devoured it and asked the following morning if they could have it again. It was delicious! I did sub 1/4 cup maple syrup for the sugar. I also made it in an 8×8 pan and cooked it for about 35 min. I put crushed pecans on the top right before cooking and it was great!
We’re so happy to hear this and that you were able to make it work for you! Thank you for trying it out and taking the time to leave a review, Kenzie. ๐
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This sounds great and we’re trying it for my daughter’s baby shower. One question, though: The add-ins and substitution section suggests: “Replace the nuts with your favorite seeds” and the notes section adds: “Try toasting the walnuts to give them a bit of an extra crunch!” but there’s no mention of nuts in any part of the recipe. The picture looks like you use it *in* vs. on top; if so, how much do you recommend?
Thanks? Can’t wait to try it! ๐
This was good but turned out to be more of a “bake” than a bread. I baked it for over 45 minutes and it still didn’t really set enough to cut into slices so we scooped it out. It was pretty good, healthy, and filling. I would make it again, probably with some peanut butter and topped with whipped cream :o)
I followed the recipe exactly (I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk) and it is delicious!!! Such a great breakfast treat and I think it would be excellent as a dessert.
Thank you for the recipe ๐
Thank you, Lisa! We’re so glad you enjoyed it!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This sounds great and we’re trying it for my daughter’s baby shower. One question, though: The add-ins and substitution section suggests: “Replace the nuts with your favorite seeds” and the notes section adds: “Try toasting the walnuts to give them a bit of an extra crunch!” but there’s no mention of nuts in any part of the recipe. The picture looks like you use it *in* vs. on top; if so, how much do you recommend?
Thanks? Can’t wait to try it! ๐
Hi Robyn!
The nuts are optional. Try incorporating ~1/2 cup depending on your preferences. We hope you enjoy!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Can I make it the night before and bake in the morning?
Hi Aneta,
We haven’t tested it, but it should work! We’d love to know how it goes if you give it a try.๐
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Do you think I can do this in the crockpot?
We haven’t tested it but think it should work! We would try cooking it on low for 2-3 hours. Please let us know how it turns out if you give it a try!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa