Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal is a warm, comforting, and wholesome dish perfect for breakfast or a snack. This recipe is packed with the natural sweetness of bananas and the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter, making it both nutritious and delicious. It’s easy to make, great for meal prep, and can be enjoyed warm or cold!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond milk)
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional for crunch)
- ¼ cup chocolate chips (optional for added sweetness)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber
- ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut for tropical flavor
For Serving:
- Extra sliced banana or berries
- Drizzle of honey or extra peanut butter
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. A few small lumps are okay.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Add the peanut butter, milk, egg, honey (if using), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Stir in the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- If using chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or other add-ins, fold them into the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Oatmeal
- Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let the baked oatmeal cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm, topped with extra sliced banana, berries, or a drizzle of honey or peanut butter for added flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats can work, but the consistency may be softer, and steel-cut oats would require extra cooking time and more liquid.
- Milk: Feel free to use any kind of milk, whether dairy or non-dairy like almond, soy, or oat milk.
Variations
1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
Stir in ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the oatmeal mixture for a rich, chocolatey flavor. You can also add chocolate chips for an extra indulgent breakfast.
2. Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal
Add ½ cup of fresh berries or a swirl of your favorite fruit jam to the mixture before baking to create a fun PB&J flavor combination.
3. Vegan Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal
To make this dish vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey. Use a plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk.
4. Low-Sugar Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
If you prefer a lower sugar option, skip the honey or maple syrup and rely on the natural sweetness of the bananas. You can also use unsweetened peanut butter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal ahead of time?
Yes! You can make this baked oatmeal up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and simply reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven.
Q: Can I freeze baked oatmeal?
Yes, baked oatmeal freezes well! Once it has cooled completely, slice it into squares and freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave or oven.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover baked oatmeal in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast or snack.
Q: Can I use steel-cut oats for this recipe?
Steel-cut oats take longer to cook and require more liquid, so they won’t work in this recipe as written. You would need to adjust the liquid and cooking time significantly.
Q: Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Yes! If you’d like to boost the protein content, you can add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder to the oatmeal mixture. Just reduce the amount of oats slightly to maintain the right texture.
This Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal is a nutritious, easy-to-make breakfast that’s packed with flavor and energy. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or as a quick on-the-go breakfast, it’s sure to keep you satisfied throughout the morning. With options to customize and make it your own, this baked oatmeal is perfect for meal prep or a healthy breakfast treat.
