Description
This Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal is a hearty and comforting breakfast dish that combines the wholesome goodness of old-fashioned oats with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Enhanced with warm spices, a touch of maple syrup, and crunchy walnuts, this baked oatmeal offers a delicious twist on traditional banana bread while being easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy morning meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or oil
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. Add the milk, egg, brown sugar or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted butter or oil. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet banana mixture into the bowl with the dry oat mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Then fold in most of the chopped walnuts, reserving a small amount for topping.
- Fill Baking Dish and Add Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chopped walnuts evenly over the top for added crunch.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set in the center and the top turns golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Slice into squares and serve warm for a comforting breakfast or snack.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or more brown sugar depending on sweetness preference.
- Use a dairy-free milk and oil instead of butter to make this recipe vegan (omit egg or use an egg substitute to fully veganize).
- Letting the baked oatmeal rest before slicing helps it set and hold its shape better.
