If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy breakfast (or let’s be honest—anytime treat), this Banana Bread Baked Oats recipe will absolutely win your heart. Blending wholesome oats, ripe banana, and a handful of mini chocolate chips, it delivers all the nostalgic comfort of banana bread with the ease and warmth of baked oats. One spoonful in, and you’ll understand why this is my breakfast on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 Minutes: From craving to warm, hearty breakfast in just half an hour—Banana Bread Baked Oats are perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends alike.
- Made with Wholesome Ingredients: Every bite is packed with whole-grain oats, banana, and eggs, so you can feel good about every spoonful.
- Customizable and Kid-Friendly: Tweak the mix-ins, switch up the milk, or adjust for dietary needs—the possibilities are endless and always delicious.
- Deliciously Satisfying: Think banana bread meets cozy oatmeal—this dish is soft, fluffy, and dotted with just the right amount of melty chocolate chips!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This magical recipe comes together with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each item plays a role in creating that moist, cake-like texture and classic banana bread flavor that makes Banana Bread Baked Oats utterly irresistible.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These form the hearty base and, once blended, create a perfectly tender, cake-like crumb.
- Overripe banana: The riper, the better! Bananas not only sweeten naturally but also give that signature banana bread taste.
- Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and helping the oats puff up beautifully as they bake.
- Unsweetened almond milk (or milk of your choice): Adds moisture without overpowering the other flavors—plus, you can use any milk you prefer.
- Honey (or sweetener of choice): Adds a touch of natural sweetness and complements the banana perfectly.
- Baking powder: The secret to that light, fluffy lift—don’t skip this ingredient!
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm, bakery-fresh flavor notes.
- Cinnamon: Brings that cozy, just-like-mom-made-it aroma (and taste) to every bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch, to heighten all the lovely flavors.
- Mini chocolate chips: Because banana bread with chocolate chips is the best kind—who can argue?
Variations
The best thing about Banana Bread Baked Oats? You can make them your own! Whether you have specific dietary needs or just love experimenting, it’s incredibly easy to tweak this recipe for a new flavor every time.
- Make it dairy-free: Use your favorite non-dairy milk—almond, oat, coconut, or even soy work beautifully.
- Go nutty: Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and that classic banana bread vibe.
- Swap the sweetener: Maple syrup, agave, or your favorite low-calorie sweetener can easily replace honey.
- Add fruit: Top with sliced strawberries or blueberries before baking for a burst of color and freshness.
- Protein boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder, using a splash more milk if needed for the right consistency.
How to Make Banana Bread Baked Oats
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease four small ramekins or oven-safe bowls with a touch of nonstick spray—this guarantees an easy release and easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Blend the Batter
Add the oats, overripe banana, eggs, milk, honey, baking powder, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt to a high-speed blender. Blend until you have a smooth, creamy batter with no visible oat pieces—think pancake batter texture! This step makes your Banana Bread Baked Oats soft and cake-like.
Step 3: Stir in the Chocolate Chips
Pour the batter into a mixing bowl (or straight into your ramekins if you prefer fewer dishes!), then gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. This ensures even, chocolatey bites in every single spoonful.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Evenly divide the batter between your four prepared ramekins, sprinkle with extra chocolate chips if you’re feeling fancy, and pop them in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, until puffed up and lightly golden brown on top—the kitchen will smell heavenly.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the Banana Bread Baked Oats cool for at least five minutes (if you can wait!). They’re wonderful warm but just as tasty at room temperature, making them ideal for meal prep or leisurely brunches.
Pro Tips for Making Banana Bread Baked Oats
- Banana Ripeness Matters: The darker and spottier the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your baked oats will be.
- Oven vs. Air Fryer: Baking in the oven gives the most even texture, but if you’re short on time, an air fryer at 300°F cooks these to perfection in just 10–12 minutes!
- Don’t Over-blend: Blend the batter until smooth, but try not to overdo it—over-blending can make the baked oats a bit dense.
- Sprinkle Before Baking: Reserve a few mini chocolate chips to scatter over the top—this creates an irresistible, melty chocolate “crust.”
How to Serve Banana Bread Baked Oats
Garnishes
For the ultimate treat, top your Banana Bread Baked Oats with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of extra honey or maple syrup, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. A dusting of cinnamon or some fresh banana slices on top adds that extra special touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your warm baked oats with a fruit salad, a handful of berries, or even a frothy cappuccino. For weekend brunches, serve alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Banana Bread Baked Oats look adorable when served in individual ramekins, but you can also bake the batter in a single casserole dish and scoop out portions family-style. For a grab-and-go breakfast, bake in large muffin tins and enjoy as handy baked oat “cups” all week long!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover Banana Bread Baked Oats to cool completely, then cover and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. Their soft texture holds up beautifully, and the flavors get even cozier overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, let the baked oats cool, then wrap the ramekins tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. Freeze for up to two months—simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up when you need a comforting breakfast in a flash.
Reheating
These are delicious cold, but for maximum comfort, reheat in the microwave for 60–90 seconds or until just warmed through. Add a splash of milk before heating if you want them extra soft and moist!
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats or steel-cut oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for Banana Bread Baked Oats because they create just the right creamy, fluffy texture when blended. Quick oats can be used in a pinch (the texture will be a bit softer), but avoid steel-cut oats—they won’t blend smoothly or cook through in the same way.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the eggs for flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tablespoons water, let sit until thickened) and use a plant-based milk and maple syrup as the sweetener. The result is still delicious and wonderfully moist!
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Do I need a blender for Banana Bread Baked Oats?
Blending gives the oats a true banana bread texture, but if you don’t have a blender, you can substitute with oat flour and mash everything together by hand. The oats won’t be as cake-like, but the flavor is still amazing!
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Can I double the recipe to feed a crowd?
Yes! Simply double all of the ingredients and bake in a 9×9-inch dish. Check for doneness at 30 minutes and add more time if needed—the center should be set and golden brown.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, naturally sweet, and secretly nourishing, Banana Bread Baked Oats truly delivers. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it work its magic in your kitchen—pour yourself a hot drink, dig in with a spoon, and enjoy every soft, chocolate-flecked bite!
PrintBanana Bread Baked Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delicious and nutritious breakfast with these Banana Bread Baked Oats. A perfect blend of oats, banana, and chocolate chips, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Oat Mixture:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 overripe banana
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of your choice
- 2 tablespoons honey or sweetener of choice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Toppings:
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees:
- Blend ingredients:
- Divide batter:
- Bake:
- Cool and serve:
Prepare the oven for baking.
In a high-speed blender, combine all ingredients except chocolate chips and blend until smooth.
Evenly distribute the mixture and chocolate chips into four ramekins.
Bake for 25 minutes until the tops are puffed and lightly golden.
Allow the baked oats to cool for at least five minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- These can also be cooked in the air fryer at 300 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 93mg