Description
This Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast casserole that’s both nutritious and delicious. Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and crunchy nuts, it’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, this recipe is an easy make-ahead option for busy mornings, delivering a wholesome start that’s satisfying and hearty.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (optional, for added structure)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (or your choice of nuts)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth; then add the milk, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and the egg if using. Stir well until all the wet ingredients are fully combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt, mixing them evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, folding until everything is well incorporated without overmixing.
- Add Nuts and Dried Fruit: Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and the raisins or dried cranberries if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden-brown and the center is set; verify by inserting a knife which should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts or pecans with any other favorite nuts like almonds or cashews.
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based milk and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg.
- The recipe can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for convenience.
- Add fresh fruit toppings like sliced bananas or berries for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American