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For a breakfast that’s easy, quick, and protein packed, give this healthy Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal a try! Made with rolled oats, ripe bananas, and a little maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
The banana bread of your dreams
Baked oatmeal, you have my heart… and my mom’s! We literally go nuts over the it in this house.
Maybe it’s the fact that you can prep it ahead of time and have a delicious, nutritious breakfast ready to go in the morning, but something about it just makes it my favorite.
This particular version takes traditional banana bread and turns it into something that’s nutritious, delicious, and perfect for breakfast. It’s filled with sweet cinnamon and has all of the flavors of regular banana bread, but is just better.
Thanks to the combination of the bananas and almond milk, this recipe stays moist and fluffy – just as it should! Plus, it’s packed with good-for-you ingredients like whole grain rolled oats, bananas, eggs, almond milk, a little maple syrup, and some yummy walnuts for crunch.
When you can find a breakfast that not only tastes like banana bread but is also made with wholesome, healthy ingredients and keeps you satisfied between meals, you know it’s a winner.
Ingredients in banana bread baked oatmeal
We’re sticking to the classics for this recipe (banana, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon), but giving it a twist with items like rolled oats and maple syrup. Together, the flavors are simply to die for!
- Rolled oats: Rolled oats will form the base of our recipe in the amount of 2 1/4 cups.
- Baking powder: Next, we’ll use 1 tsp of baking powder to help the bread cook properly.
- Spices: For flavor, we’re using 2 tsp of cinnamon, 1/2 tsp of nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp of salt.
- Bananas: As for the bananas, you’ll need about 1 cup mashed, which you can achieve with 3 medium or 2 large bananas.
- Eggs: Eggs contribute to both the flavor and the texture of the bread. You’ll need 2.
- Almond milk: Next, 1 1/2 cups almond milk will be used to help thicken up and flavor the bread.
- Maple syrup: We’ll sweeten things naturally with 1/4 cups of maple syrup.
- Vanilla: Lastly, throw in 1 tsp of vanilla to get that classic baked treat taste.
- Optional: If you choose, you can add to your recipe by including 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, and banana coins.
In order to make this gluten free, ensure that you are using certified gluten free oats! And if you want to make it vegan, you can most likely do so by using chia or flax eggs instead of regular.
What you’ll need to bake this dish
Only 6 different baking tools are needed to create oatmeal banana bread, along with various measuring cups. Here’s everything you’ll need, listed in the order that you’ll need it:
- 8×8 baking dish
- Nonstick spray
- Small mixing bowl
- Stirring utensil
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
For measuring, you will need the following sizes: 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup.
How do you make banana bread baked oatmeal?
This is the best banana bread baked oatmeal because it’s easy-peasy to make! Just like any of my other recipes, mix the dry and wet ingredients together in separate bowls, and then slowly add the dry into the wet. You can then add any sort of mix-ins that you’d like!
To begin, preheat the oven to 375F and grease an 8×8 dish with nonstick spray. I like to cut a piece of parchment paper to put on the bottom of the dish as a liner.
In a small bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, and stir everything together.
Then, in a large bowl, mash the bananas until completely soft.
Whisk in the eggs, and then stir in the almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla.
Add the oat mixture to the wet ingredients and stir to combine everything.
If you want to add in walnuts, chocolate, and/or banana coins, you can do so now.
Once mixed, pour the batter into the greased dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
Let cool before cutting.
Substitution Tip
Missing an item? Here are some simple swaps that you can try if need be!
- Rolled oats: If you’re out of rolled oats, try using instant oats! The texture may wind up slightly different, but they should still bake into the recipe properly.
- Eggs: If you’re out of eggs, you can sub 1/4 cup of applesauce per egg, or make chia seed “eggs” by mixing 1 tbsp seeds with 3 tbsp of water (per egg). Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it forms a gel-type consistency, and then add to your recipe where it calls for eggs.
- Almond milk: You can use any type of nut or dairy milk in place of almond milk.
- Maple syrup: If you don’t want to use maple syrup, some other all-natural options include honey and molasses.
A healthier banana bread option
This banana oatmeal bread is a healthier option to standard banana bread thanks to a number of simple ingredient swaps! Here’s everything that was used to make this bread a more nutrient-rich option.
- Rolled oats: Rolled oats pack this banana bread with protein, fiber, antioxidants, and loads of vitamins. They make a great substitute for flour!
- Almond milk: I like to use almond milk in my baking for an extra kick in nutrients – not to mention the flavor is great!
- Maple syrup: Finally, I used maple syrup as the sweetener of choice for an all-natural option that’s low glycemic and tastes delicious.
Can you freeze banana bread oatmeal?
Storing baked oatmeal is a breeze, especially because you can freeze it! Gone are the days of half of the loaf going bad before you can eat it – just stick it in the freezer and enjoy it later! It will stay good in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and stick it in a Tupperware container or Ziplock bag (anything airtight will work!). When you’re ready to eat it again, simply defrost it in the fridge or on the counter, then microwave it for a few seconds to warm it up.
On the other hand, you can keep your bread stored in the fridge for up to one week!
If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!
I don’t know about you, but for me oatmeal is always a good idea. Here are some more of my favorite oatmeal recipes, perfect for breakfast, snacking, or a cozy dessert!
- Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
- Creamy Stove-top Oatmeal
- Healthy Berry Baked Oatmeal
- Baked Blueberry Oatmeal Cups
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment below and let me know how it was! Also tag @erinliveswhole on Instagram and use the hashtag #erinliveswhole so I can see it and feature you!
Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa
Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal
Give this healthy banana bread baked oatmeal recipe a try for breakfast when you’re looking for something easy, quick, and protein packed! Made with rolled oats, ripe bananas, and a little maple syrup for natural sugar.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- ~1 cup mashed banana (about 2 large or 3 medium)
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, banana coins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F and grease an 8×8 pan with nonstick spray. I also like to cut a piece of parchment to put on the bottom as a liner.
- In a small bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir.
- In a large bowl, mash bananas until completely soft.
- Whisk in eggs, then stir in almond milk, maple syrup and vanilla.
- Add oat mixture to wet ingredients and stir to combine.
- If you want to add in walnuts, chocolate, banana coins, you can add them now.
- Pour into greased dish and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting.
- Enjoy!
*See notes in recipe for storing.
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sabrina k says
I have been making this consistently for family & we absolutely love it. So easy to make and this is the best make ahead breakfast. The baked oatmeal is not overly sweet and is the perfect consistency.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sabrina, I am so glad everyone loves it! 🙂
dominique says
Can I use instant oars instead of rolled oats
Erin says
Hi Dominique, yes that should be fine. Let me know how it comes out!
Annie says
This is one of my meal prep go-to’s! Easy, delicious, and budget friendly- need I say more?! We love it so much, I shared with my coworkers in a recipe exchange and got rave reviews.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Annie, thank you for sharing! I am so happy everyone enjoyed it!!
Edith says
Can I put this together the night before, store in fridge and bake in the morning?
Erin says
Hi Edith, I wouldn’t only because the oats will absorb too much liquid. Hope you can make and bake it the same day instead.
Olivia Nelson says
I love it!!! I make it every week for my family. My mom loves it.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Olivia, I am so happy you both love it!!
Jenifer Vannoni says
Absolutely delicious! Just made this and already can’t wait to make it again. We left out the nuts, used sugar free maple syrup and added in a scoop of Snickerdoodle protein powder. PERFECTION! Came out to 218 cals per serving and 12g of protein.
Erin says
Hi Jenifer, so glad you loved the banana bread! Love that you made them your own. Thanks for your support!!
Amanda says
Would you add more liquid if adding in protein powder? I want to try it with protein powder for extra grams of Protein
Erin says
Hi Amanda, yes maybe just a little! Let me know how it comes out!
Ashley says
Mine came out more of a crumble. Any suggestions?
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Ashley, I would add more liquid next time if the batter seems dry. Are you sure you did not forget the eggs?
Nikki says
My apartment smells amazing! Looking forward to topping with PB. Thanks for keeping us well fed during our social distancing!
★★★★★
Erin says
Thanks for the comment, Nikki! So glad you are enjoying it 🙂
Katie says
So delicious topped with PB & banana! Cut the batch into six & froze to have for the week.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Katie, that sounds so good! Love that you made them your own!
Jessica Cheng says
Great recipe and so simple to make! For mix-ins I added shredded coconut, cocoa nibs and dried cranberries. I topped the first warmed square with peanut butter, the second with salted butter. Delicious!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jessica, thanks for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed it!
Lindsay says
I’ve made this weekly for the past few months. My toddler and I eat it for breakfast with chia jam on top! Thanks for the great recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lindsay! Thanks for the kind words! I am so happy you both enjoy it! 🙂
Courtney says
Great recipe! A little healthier than banana bread, but still the same great taste! I did half maple syrup/ half honey due to running out of maple syrup and it turned out delicious. Highly recommend!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Courtney, thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed them so much! 🙂
Bridget says
Awesome recipe! This baked oatmeal is delicious, filling, and so easy to make. Truly the perfect breakfast to meal prep for the week. I love drizzling it with peanut butter and maple syrup.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Bridget, thanks for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed it and that sounds delicious!
Lani Turner says
Hi, I noticed the banana measurement does not change even though you may be doubling or tripling this recipe. Is this correct?
Thanks!
Erin says
Banana measurement should change! That must be a glitch.
Tameca Glasco says
I added protein powder to mine for a great before it after workout treat.?♥️
★★★★
Erin says
So glad you liked it!!!
★★★★★
Catherine Corlett says
Me too! Worked out perfectly and is SO yummy!
Erin says
Hi Catherine, so happy you enjoyed them with the protein powder too! Thanks for making my recipe!! 🙂
Michelle says
Tameca……Protein powder is a great idea! How much protein powder did you use?
★★★★★
Danielle says
My toddler loves this baked oatmeal and has made so many mornings easy for us! Love it topped with almond butter and fresh fruit
★★★★★
Erin says
So happy that your toddler loved it!! Makes me so happy. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Katie says
Topped with some PB & sliced banana & made for the perfect breakfast!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Katie, yum! What a great combination! 🙂
Alyssa Bochenek says
Hi Erin,
I made this last week and it was very tasty. I stored it on the counter with a lid over the dish and a few days after making it it had a very sour smell and seemed to go bad. Any ideas here? I was disappointed with the shelf life. Does it just not last long?
Thank you!
★★
Erin says
Alyssa,
As stated in the blog post, this absolutely needs to be store in the refrigerator.
Aleyda says
Just made this and wow, it’s so easy and yummy!
★★★★★
Erin says
So glad you’re loving it Aleyda!! 🙂
Danielle says
This is so good! Easy to make and reheats well. My toddler loves it for breakfast and I love it on top of my oatmeal bowls. Amazing recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Thank you Danielle! It’s always a favorite of mine when little kids like my recipes! 🙂
Erin B. says
Delicious!
★★★★★
Erin says
So happy you enjoyed it! 🙂
Laura says
Love this recipe!! Substituted maple syrup for stevia and used egg whites. I store them in the fridge and toast them with coconut oil when i am ready to eat them. Yumm!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Love those subs! Thanks for sharing 🙂
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Laura, what a great idea! I am so happy you enjoyed it!
Melinda J says
Amazing!!! What a great treat for a busy work week! I warmed up the left overs for breakfast all week and topped with some PB and Greek yogurt! Great complex breakfast that kept me full all morning!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Melinda, so happy you loved it so much and great toppings!!