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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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Kirby J says
This was so yummy! I made it for an after dinner treat. I always like to end my night on a sweet note!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kirby, so happy you loved it!!
Carly says
I’m obsessed with this recipe and have been eating this for dessert for a month straight now! Pro tip- add chocolate chips + maple syrup on top! Also super easy to make with minimal ingredients 🙂
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Carly, I am so glad you loved it and great additions!!
Joanna Marie Beveridge says
The best baked oatmeal recipe! Consistent, good texture and simple ingredients!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Joanna, so glad you enjoyed it!
Jody says
I made this for a weekend trip so we could avoid having to cook breakfast each day. This was tasty and was a treat even though we made it in advance! It was tasty, easy to make, and would definitely recommend for your breakfast needs!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jody, so glad you enjoyed it!
Steph says
I’ve baked this a few times now for weekly meal prep – it’s the perfect breakfast to satisfy my craving for something sweet. I eat it all week and still have some left over to freeze.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Steph, so glad you loved it!
Chelsea says
I make this almost every week as breakfast meal prep for work. It’s pretty much impossible to screw up. Add 3 bananas? Amazing. Bake it too long? It’s fine! Bake it too short? Kinda gooey but who isn’t here for a little gooey?! Make it and make the apple variety kind too- delicious 😋
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Chelsea, so glad you love it and yes it is very forgiving!
Andreia Gomes says
So good and easy to make!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Andreia, so glad you liked it!
Sam says
I have a new found love for baked oatmeal and this one is GOOD y’all. It tastes juuust like banana bread!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sam, I am so glad you loved it!!
Mike says
It came out of the oven well done on the outside, but raw in the inside. Followed the instructions, just using dates instead of maple sugar. What can I do?
Erin says
Hi Mike, unfortunately dates are not a replacement for a liquid- it’s maple syrup not maple sugar. That will not be a good swap, sorry about that!
Mike says
Yeah, sorry, maple syrup. I made dates paste, which I have used in other recipes.
However, my problem is with the oven. It rises properly inside, but when taking the thing out of the oven it collapses. Nt only this recipe, but almost every cake. What I am doing wrong?
Thanks in advance.
Erin says
Hi Mike, I would check your leavening agents. They could be expired. Also, your oven could be too hot and cooking things on the outside very fast! Hope this helps!!
Kate says
Great recipe! I made using enjoy life chocolate chips for my mix ins. Once baked and cooled, i cut into 6 pieces and popped in the freezer. I nuke in the microwave for one minute per square and enjoy the yummiest breakfast!
PS note erin’s instruction to use super ripe bananas. The riper/browner they are, the yummier and creamier it will turn out. By freezing after cooking you dont have to worry about the bread spoiling.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kate, I am so glad you enjoyed them so much!! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Megan Connell says
These are awesome!! Is the nutrition including chocolate chips, banana coins, or walnuts, or just the base recipe?
Erin says
Hi Megan, the facts include 1/2 cup chopped walnuts. Hope this helps!
Deirdre says
So delish!! I made in a 10 inch skillet and it turned out perfect. So excited to have for breakfasts this week.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Deirdre, so glad you enjoyed it!
amanda says
Delicious and so easy to make!!! Will be making this again for sure!!
Erin says
Hi Amanda, so glad you enjoyed it!
Mike says
Do you think oat milk would be ok to use instead of almond milk?
Erin says
Hi Mike, yes of course. That should be fine and let me know how it comes out!
mike says
it turned out great! thanks for the recipe
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Mike, I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Casey Colodny says
I love how easy this is and sooo tasty! I like to drizzle peanut butter overtop mine after baking!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Casey, I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Pascale Lawrence says
Hello,
I can’t wait to make this. Have you used steel cut oats ever and if so did you have to alter anything in the recipe?
Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Erin says
Hi Pascale, thanks for your kind words! I haven’t tries it with steel cut oats yet, but I did with instant oats which have a slightly different texture. Feel free to try with steel cut and let me know how yours comes out!
Shelby says
Absolutely love this recipe! I’ve been eating it for breakfasts and snacks for a week now, just got down to my last slice and I’m already making more.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Shelby, so happy you enjoyed it!!
Maddi says
This is officially my new go-to breakfast for the week! I’ve had a piece every day for the last 6 days and I haven’t gotten sick of it. I didn’t have any maple syrup so I used honey as suggested and it turned out perfect!! Pop a piece in the microwave for 20 seconds and top with a little bit of PB and flaky salt – TO DIE FOR!
Erin says
Hi Maddi, so happy you enjoyed it and made it your own!
Christine says
Meal prepped this on Sunday for a great and easy breakfast for the week. When I had it each morning I popped it in the microwave for a few seconds and topped with peanut butter. This will be a new breakfast staple in my life.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Christine, I am so glad you are enjoying it!!
Megan J says
Made these tonight and they are soooo good and easy!! My 5 year old helped make them
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Megan, so glad you liked them and made them together!!