Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Recipe
If you’ve been searching for a warm, comforting breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: the Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Recipe. It’s a dreamy blend of ripe bananas, cozy spices, and melty chocolate chips all nestled within wholesome oats, creating a perfect balance of sweet and hearty that will delight your taste buds and keep you full all morning. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for busy weekdays, this baked oatmeal is a soul-satisfying treat you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each item plays its own key role in creating the chewy texture, rich flavor, and inviting aroma that make this dish so special.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base providing a chewy texture and nutty flavor that holds everything together beautifully.
- Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift to the oatmeal, ensuring a light, fluffy bite instead of dense heaviness.
- Cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice notes that perfectly complement the bananas and chocolate.
- Nutmeg: A subtle hint of earthiness that deepens the overall flavor complexity.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and bring out all the other flavors.
- Ripe bananas: Naturally sweet and moist, mashed bananas add creaminess and fruitiness with every bite.
- Milk (any kind): Moisturizes the oats and binds the mixture together, adding richness to the dish.
- Eggs: Help the oatmeal set perfectly in the oven while adding extra protein.
- Pure maple syrup: The natural sweetener of choice that enhances the banana’s flavor without overpowering.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of fragrant warmth that elevates the entire dish.
- Chocolate chips: Little pockets of melty joy that make each spoonful irresistible.
How to Make Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with melted butter or a non-stick spray to ensure the oatmeal doesn’t stick and comes out in perfect squares.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This creates a flavorful bed that will soak up the creamy banana mixture beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mixture
In another bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth—this is the secret to a naturally sweet and moist baked oatmeal. Add milk, eggs, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract, then stir everything together until evenly combined.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients and stir gently. Be sure to fold in those chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter—they’ll melt into delicious pockets of sweetness while baking.
Step 5: Bake Your Oatmeal
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. If you prefer a softer, more custardy texture, aim for 50 minutes; for a firmer, sliceable oatmeal, let it go closer to 60 minutes.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Once baked, allow your dish to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time helps it set and makes serving much easier, plus it gives the flavors a chance to meld perfectly.
How to Serve Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans adds lovely crunch and contrast. Fresh banana slices or a drizzle of maple syrup on top can also amp up the natural flavors. For a creamy touch, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of nut butter makes every bite feel indulgent yet wholesome.
Side Dishes
This baked banana chocolate chip oatmeal pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salads, a handful of berries, or even a glass of cold-pressed juice. If you want a savory balance, crispy turkey bacon or a soft-boiled egg on the side can offer just the right contrast to the sweet, comforting oatmeal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, serve your baked oatmeal straight from the baking dish with individual ramekins for each guest. You can also create a parfait by layering warm oatmeal with yogurt and fruit, perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or a lovely twist for kids. Another idea: sprinkle with toasted coconut or try swapping out chocolate chips for dried fruit or nut butters for endless variations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover baked banana chocolate chip oatmeal tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and pop it into the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic grab-and-go breakfast or snack option.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions by wrapping squares tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. This way, the Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Recipe can be enjoyed on even the busiest mornings, keeping well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring your frozen or refrigerated oatmeal back to life, simply microwave for about 60 to 90 seconds until warm. If reheating from frozen, you may want to thaw it in the fridge overnight for even heating. Alternatively, warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
While you can substitute quick oats in a pinch, old-fashioned rolled oats hold their shape and texture much better during baking, giving you that perfect chewy bite that makes this recipe so satisfying.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make the Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Recipe vegan, swap the eggs for flax eggs and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Also, choose dairy-free chocolate chips to keep everything plant-friendly.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut make wonderful additions. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor that elevates your baked oatmeal.
How sweet is this baked oatmeal?
This recipe has a natural sweetness from the ripe bananas and maple syrup, with bursts of chocolatey sweetness from the chips. You can adjust the maple syrup amount if you prefer it less or more sweet.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Ensure you use certified gluten-free oats to make this dish gluten-free. This way, it remains suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try out this delicious Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Recipe. It’s not just a breakfast; it’s a cozy experience that wraps you in comfort and sweetness, ready to brighten your mornings or satisfy your afternoon cravings. Trust me, once you dig into this warm, chocolate-studded bowl of goodness, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
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Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 60-70 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting baked banana chocolate chip oatmeal that’s perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack. Made with rolled oats, ripe bananas, warm spices, and sweet chocolate chips, this dish is baked to a soft, custardy consistency and naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup. It’s easy to prepare, nutritious, and can be customized with your choice of milk.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk)
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with melted butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir the ingredients together until evenly distributed to build the flavorful oat base.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the milk, eggs, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract, then mix well to combine all the wet components into a smooth mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry oats mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes until the oatmeal is set and golden on top. For a softer texture, aim for closer to 50 minutes; for a firmer baked oatmeal, bake toward 60 minutes.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let the baked oatmeal rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly and cool down for easier serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond, oat, or soy milk.
- Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or agave syrup if preferred.
- Chocolate chips can be switched for nuts or dried fruit for different textures and flavors.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
