Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal

If you’re searching for a cozy, filling breakfast that’s both delicious and healthy, Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal is the answer. Picture this: warm oats baked to perfection, sweet banana slices mixed with crunchy nuts, and just the right amount of cinnamon spice. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but without the guilt! The best part? It’s so easy to make, and it’s packed with nutrients to keep you fueled for the day ahead. Trust me, this is one of those dishes that’ll make your mornings feel extra special.

Why You’ll Love Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal

Let’s be real—this baked oatmeal is a game-changer. Here’s why it’ll become your new go-to breakfast:

Hearty and Filling

With the combination of oats, bananas, and nuts, this oatmeal is a breakfast powerhouse. It’ll keep you full for hours, so you won’t find yourself reaching for a snack by mid-morning.

Naturally Sweetened

No need for refined sugar here! The ripe bananas add just the right amount of sweetness, while the natural flavors of the oats and nuts shine through. It’s a breakfast that feels indulgent but stays on the healthier side.

Easy to Make

This baked oatmeal is as easy as mixing ingredients, popping it in the oven, and letting the magic happen. It’s practically foolproof, so even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can still create a delicious dish that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy brunch spot.

Customizable

Love a little extra flavor? Add in some chocolate chips, dried fruit, or coconut flakes. Want it nut-free? Feel free to swap out the nuts for seeds or other add-ins that you enjoy.

Meal Prep Friendly

Make a big batch, and you’ve got a breakfast ready to go for the whole week. Just store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the morning for a fast and delicious start to your day.

Ingredients

Ready to whip up this wholesome breakfast? Here’s what you’ll need:

Rolled Oats

The heart of the dish! Rolled oats provide that perfect chewy texture and help create a satisfying, hearty meal.

Ripe Bananas

The bananas give natural sweetness, moisture, and a lovely flavor that pairs beautifully with the oats. Overripe bananas work best here!

Milk

Use any milk you like—dairy, almond, oat, or coconut. The milk helps bind everything together and gives the oatmeal its creamy texture.

Eggs

Eggs add structure and richness to the oatmeal, making it feel more like a baked dessert than just a bowl of porridge.

Baking Powder

For a little lift, making sure the oatmeal doesn’t turn out too dense.

Cinnamon & Vanilla Extract

These two ingredients provide comforting warmth and depth of flavor, making this oatmeal feel extra cozy.

Chopped Nuts

Walnuts, almonds, or pecans work wonderfully here. They add crunch and a touch of richness, balancing out the softness of the oats.

Maple Syrup (Optional)

For a little extra sweetness and flavor, drizzle some maple syrup on top before baking, or add it to the mix.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive in and bake this breakfast masterpiece!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.

Prepare the Oats Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, mash 2 ripe bananas until smooth. Add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and baking powder, and mix until well combined. Then, stir in the rolled oats and chopped nuts. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Pour Into Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish (about 8×8 inches) with butter or cooking spray. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing as the oats bake!

Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Scoop out a warm serving and enjoy it as is, or top it with a dollop of yogurt, extra sliced bananas, or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 220 calories (based on 6 servings)

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 60mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 6g
• Vitamin A: 6%
• Calcium: 10%
• Iron: 8%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

How to Serve Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal

This baked oatmeal is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it with these serving suggestions:

With Yogurt

Top a warm serving with Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast. It’s a great way to add a little extra protein to your meal.

Drizzle with Nut Butter

A swirl of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter adds a wonderful creaminess and extra flavor.

Fresh Fruit

Sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries make the perfect fresh topping, adding a pop of color and sweetness.

With a Warm Drink

Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a warm latte for the perfect cozy breakfast combo.

Additional Tips

• Make it Gluten-Free: Simply use certified gluten-free oats to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
• Add More Protein: You can easily increase the protein content by adding a spoonful of chia seeds, flax seeds, or even a scoop of protein powder to the mixture.
• Vegan Version: For a dairy-free and egg-free version, use plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk) and flax eggs or chia eggs as a substitute.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the oatmeal the night before and bake it in the morning, or refrigerate the baked oatmeal and reheat it for a quick breakfast.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store any leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven.

Q3: Can I freeze this baked oatmeal?
A3: Absolutely! This oatmeal freezes wonderfully. Simply portion it into individual servings, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

Q4: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A4: Rolled oats work best for baked oatmeal since they maintain their texture. Quick oats can turn out a little mushy, but you can use them if that’s all you have.

Q5: How do I make this more customizable?
A5: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips to make this dish your own!

Q6: Can I add more bananas?
A6: Yes, if you love bananas, you can add an extra one for a more pronounced banana flavor.

Q7: Is this recipe vegan?
A7: Not as it is, but you can easily make it vegan by using plant-based milk and flax or chia eggs in place of regular eggs.

Q8: How do I prevent the top from getting too brown?
A8: If the top starts getting too brown before it’s fully cooked, you can cover it loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Q9: Can I use frozen bananas?
A9: Yes! Just make sure to thaw them before mashing to get the best texture in your oatmeal.

Q10: How do I make this more flavorful?
A10: You can add extra spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or even a bit of ginger for a twist. Or, mix in some coconut flakes for a tropical flair.

Conclusion

This Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal is the kind of breakfast that makes your mornings feel cozy and comforting. With simple ingredients and just a few steps, you’ll have a wholesome, satisfying meal to start your day. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. So, grab those bananas and oats, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast that will make your mornings shine!

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