Healthier Baked Oatmeal With Bananas

Let me show you how to make this naturally sweet baked oatmeal with bananas with a chewy center and crunchy edges, and makes your kitchen smell absolutely amazing.

Check out my recipe video below to see this banana baked oatmeal come to life in my kitchen! Subscribe to my channel for more baking recipes with oats that won’t leave you hungry an hour later.

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Why This Baked Oatmeal with Bananas Is Perfect For Breakfast

When I need a quick breakfast that actually keeps me full until lunch, I make this banana baked oatmeal. It takes just five ingredients and barely any effort.

What makes this better than regular oatmeal is the texture. The edges get crispy while the middle stays soft and chewy. Plus, the banana and chocolate combo tastes like dessert even though it’s pretty healthy. I usually make a pan on Sunday and eat it throughout the week.

Simple Banana Oatmeal Bake Ingredients You Need

All you need are five simple ingredients to make this delicious breakfast or snack for a lunch box.

• 4 cups rolled oats (Gluten Free Sprouted Rolled Oats) (360g)
• 1 cup almond butter (250g)
• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 bananas or 350g)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (Zero Sugar Maple Syrup) or honey (60ml)
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (90g), plus extra for topping

I love these gluten-free sprouted rolled oats below because they taste nuttier and never make my stomach feel weird like regular oats sometimes do.

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Top Tip: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness. This allows you to use less maple syrup while still getting great flavor.

Basic Equipment For Making Baked Banana Oatmeal

This recipe requires minimal equipment:

• 8-inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

This 8-inch square baking pan below works perfectly for banana baked oatmeal. It makes nine squares that are just the right size for breakfast or snacks.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this baked oatmeal is straightforward and takes just minutes to prepare before baking.

Preparing Your Banana Oatmeal Ingredients

Before you start mixing, make sure your ingredients are ready to go. This makes the process much smoother.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mash your ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine and will add nice banana flavor pockets to your oatmeal.

Note: If your almond butter is stored in the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before using. This makes it much easier to mix with the other ingredients.

Mixing The Batter

The mixing process is very simple, but there are a few things to know for the best results.

Step 3: Add 4 cups of rolled oats to your mixing bowl. I like using gluten-free sprouted oats because they taste nuttier and are more nutritious. I left the link in the description below.

Step 4: Add one cup of almond butter to the oats. Peanut butter would work just as well if that is what you have in your pantry.

Step 5: Add one and a half cups of ripe mashed bananas, which is about three to four bananas. Make sure to use really ripe ones with brown spots for the best sweetness.

Step 6: Add 1/4 cup of maple syrup or honey. Both work great for sweetness.

Step 7: Add half a cup of chocolate chips. I like using semi-sweet dark chocolate because they are not too sweet and they have a deeper chocolate flavor.

Step 8: Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture will be thick and hold together well.

Baking Your Healthy Banana Oatmeal Squares

The baking process is where the magic happens, turning your mixture into a delicious breakfast treat.

Step 9: Scoop all the oat mixture into the pan. The mixture is thick and dense because of the bananas and almond butter, so you need to press it down really hard with a spatula. It really helps if you cut them into bars later, so they would not fall apart when you pick them up or pack them in a lunchbox.

Step 10: Sprinkle a bit more chocolate chips on the top and put it in a preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred eighty degrees Celsius. I always wait for the edges to get golden brown and crispy, but do not worry, the center still stays soft and deliciously chewy.

Related Recipe: If you like baking with oats, then you are absolutely going to like this protein-rich cheesecake with oat crust here.

How To Serve Freshly Baked Banana Oatmeal

These baked oats are best straight out of the oven, with crispy edges and chewy centers, but they are also good to pack for lunch boxes or breakfast on the go. They stay fresh for about four days.

I love eating a square while it is still warm, sometimes with a small dollop of yogurt on top. The contrast between the warm oatmeal and cold yogurt is really nice. My kids prefer theirs plain, especially when the chocolate chips are still melty.

Top Tip: For an extra special breakfast, warm up a square and top it with a spoonful of almond butter and some sliced fresh banana.

Storage Instructions

This baked oatmeal stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

1. Allow the baked oatmeal to cool completely before cutting into 9 equal squares.
2. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
3. To reheat, microwave a square for about 20-30 seconds or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Note: You can also freeze these squares for up to 3 months. Just wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating.

Easy Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is very flexible and can be adapted based on what you have on hand.

Different Nut Butters For Baked Oatmeal

If you do not have almond butter, you can use:

• Peanut butter for a classic flavor
• Cashew butter for a milder, creamier taste
• Sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option

Sweetener Options For Healthier Oatmeal

The recipe works with various sweeteners:

• Honey adds a floral sweetness
• Maple syrup provides a deeper flavor
• Agave nectar works well as a vegan option

Add-In Ideas For Customized Baked Oatmeal

You can customize this recipe by adding:

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for warming spice
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries instead of some of the chocolate chips

Top Tip: If you want to reduce the sugar content, you can skip the maple syrup entirely if your bananas are very ripe and sweet, or replace the chocolate chips with chopped nuts.

More Wholesome Oat Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this baked oatmeal with bananas, you’ll definitely want to try these other oat-based favorites:

• This Oat Bars Recipe Is So Good, I Had to Hide Them! – Chewy, chocolatey, and irresistible!
• Healthy Apple Pie with Oats – A cozy twist on the classic apple pie with an oat-filled crust and topping.
• BEST Crispy Oatmeal Cookies – Thin, crunchy, and full of caramelized oat flavor.

Whip up one of these next and see just how fun and versatile oats can be. Whether you are craving something sweet for dessert or a snack to grab on the go, these recipes have you covered.