Banana Baked Oatmeal

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## Banana Baked Oatmeal

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 35 mins | Servings: 6

### Description

This recipe transforms humble oats into a hearty, custard-like breakfast bake. It’s naturally sweetened by ripe bananas and a touch of maple syrup. It’s perfect for meal prep because it stays moist and delicious for days—just grab a square, reheat it, and go.

### Ingredients

  • Dry:

    • 2 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats (not instant or steel-cut)

    • 1 tsp Baking powder

    • 1 tsp Ground cinnamon

    • 1/2 tsp Salt

  • Wet:

    • 2 large Overripe bananas (the spottier, the better), mashed

    • 1 ½ cups Milk of choice (dairy, almond, or oat)

    • 1 large Egg

    • 1/4 cup Maple syrup or honey

    • 1 tsp Vanilla extract

    • 2 tbsp Melted coconut oil or butter

  • Optional Mix-ins: 1/2 cup Chocolate chips or chopped walnuts.

### Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Heat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.

  2. Whisk Dry: In a medium bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

  3. Mix Wet: In a separate large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Whisk in the egg, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and melted oil.

  4. Combine: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and stir until well combined. Fold in any mix-ins if using.

  5. Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

  6. Cool: Let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the oats to set into that perfect cake-like structure.

### Notes & Tips

  • The Banana Rule: If your bananas aren’t brown and “ugly,” they aren’t ready. The darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your oatmeal will be.

  • Texture Check: If you prefer a “fudgier” texture, bake for 30 minutes. If you like it firmer and more like a muffin, go for 35–40 minutes.

  • Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully! Slice into squares and freeze individually for an instant breakfast.

### Nutritional Info & Benefits

Per Serving (approximate): | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | | :— | :— | :— | :— | :— | | 245 kcal | 6g | 8g | 38g | 5g |

The Benefits:

  • Sustained Energy: High in complex carbohydrates and fiber, preventing the mid-morning sugar crash.

  • Heart Healthy: Oats contain beta-glucan, a soluble fiber known to help lower cholesterol.

  • Potassium Boost: Bananas provide essential electrolytes for muscle function.

    ### Q&A

Q: Can I make this vegan? A: Absolutely. Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 3 tbsp water) and your favorite plant-based milk and oil.

Q: Can I use Steel Cut oats? A: Not for this specific recipe. Steel-cut oats require much more liquid and a longer cook time. Stick to Rolled Oats for the best texture.

Q: Is this gluten-free? A: Yes, provided you use certified gluten-free oats.

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