Healthy Baked Banana Bread Oatmeal

Transform those overripe bananas into a breakfast treat with our Healthy Baked Banana Bread Oatmeal! Loaded with wholesome rolled oats, infused with warm spices, and featuring ripe bananas, this gluten-free recipe is a budget-friendly gem that tastes just like dessert.

The best part is that this recipe is so incredibly simple and is perfect for meal prep. Bake up a batch in advance, and you’ll have a satisfying morning treat to enjoy all week long!

Why We Love Banana Bread Oatmeal 

We’re huge fans of banana bread and have several variations like this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Skillet and Chocolate Hazelnut Banana Bread. However, it doesn’t always leave us feeling fueled. So, we decided to take it to the next level and turned it into a satisfying breakfast with this Healthy Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal!

This baked oatmeal has all the traditional banana bread flavor you love — it’s a decadent breakfast that tastes like dessert! However, that’s just one of the many reasons why we love this banana baked oatmeal. For instance, it’s also: 

• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. 
• Full of good-for-you ingredients and easy to customize to fit all your needs. 
• Great for meal prep. 
• Kid-friendly for a nutrient-rich breakfast the whole family will enjoy! 

Is Banana Baked Oatmeal Healthy? 

Yes! Banana baked oatmeal can be a super healthy breakfast choice when you use the right ingredients, and we do! Full of vitamins and nutrients, this banana bread oatmeal is loaded with potassium and vitamin B6 thanks to the bananas. Plus, the oatmeal provides an excellent source of whole grains and fiber to keep you full, and the eggs pack in protein and healthy fats for a well-rounded recipe.

Then, we added a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips for a boost of antioxidants that make this healthy breakfast taste like a treat. If you wanted, you could even omit the brown sugar to make it refined sugar-free! 

Ingredients You’ll Need

Take a look at the ingredients below to find all the pantry staples you’ll need! 

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – Rolled oats work best for baking, but quick oats could be used as well. If following a gluten-free diet, make sure they come from a certified gluten-free factory! Otherwise, they may be cross-contaminated with other gluten-containing ingredients. 
• Brown Sugar – We love to include a sprinkle of brown sugar to make this banana bread oatmeal extra sweet. However, if you prefer, you can omit it completely or swap it out for a natural sweetener such as agave or maple syrup. Just note that you may need to adjust the ingredient amounts as the texture will vary. 
• Baking Powder – This is our secret to creating super fluffy baked oats! 
• Spices – For a warm banana bread flavor, we included cinnamon and nutmeg. 
• Milk – Any type of milk you prefer works fine. 
• Bananas – Key to creating banana bread oatmeal, the fruit creates a soft texture and incredible flavor. The riper they are, the more delicious your oatmeal will be! 
• Egg – This is crucial to providing structure to the recipe so that your healthy baked oatmeal holds together. 
• Vanilla Extract – Don’t forget the vanilla! It helps enhance the flavor of the rest of the ingredients. 
• Unsalted Butter – Once melted, this takes your oatmeal recipe to the next level. 

How to Make the Best Healthy Baked Oatmeal

This recipe is the easiest breakfast you’ll ever make! All you have to do is toss the ingredients together, pop them in the oven, and it’ll be done in no time. Take a look at an overview of the instructions below, and don’t forget to scroll to the bottom for the full details. 

1. Preheat your oven, and spray a baking dish with cooking spray. 
2. Combine all of the ingredients except for the chocolate, and add them to the dish. 
3. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top. 
4. Bake until firm and slightly golden on top. 
5. Add your favorite toppings, and serve! 

Air Fryer Option

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine all the ingredients except the chocolate. Then, add them to an air fryer-safe bowl, and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.
3. Air fry for 35 minutes or until the oatmeal is set.
4. Add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Add-Ins and Variations

This healthy baked oatmeal is super versatile and easy to spice up with all your favorite add-ins, toppings, and extras! Some of our favorite options include

• Fresh Berries 
• Raisins or Cranberries
• Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
• Peanut Butter
• Protein Powder (You’ll likely need to add more liquid)
• Or even whipped cream! 

Easy Substitutions & Swaps

If needed, feel free to make substitutions to fit all your dietary and allergy needs. For instance, you can: 

• Swap out the butter for a non-dairy option or use oil instead
• Replace the nuts with your favorite seeds
• Swap out the egg for a flax egg using a combination of flax meal and water 
• Replace the banana with pumpkin, applesauce, or even mashed sweet potato instead

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

You can absolutely make your healthy banana bread oatmeal ahead of time, and store it for later! We love to bake it ahead of time to reheat and eat throughout the week. However, it also makes for a great make-ahead brunch that will leave your house smelling heavenly! 

To Bake and Reheat: Make your banana bread oatmeal according to the directions, leave it to cool, and place it in your refrigerator. When you want to heat it up again, simply preheat your oven, and place the oats back in for 5-10 minutes. Or, just pop a portion in the microwave! 

To Prep the Night Before: Mix all the dry ingredients in one bowl, and all the wet ingredients in another. Store the bowls in the fridge overnight. Then, in the morning just mix them together, bake, and enjoy! 

Storage Options

Fridge: Store your healthy baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

Freezer: For the best results, we recommend slicing your oatmeal into individual servings. Then, wrap them with cling wrap, and store them in a sealable bag for up to 6 months. 

Can I Use Steel Cut Oats Instead? 

We don’t recommend using steel cut oats, because they require a different liquid ratio and a lot more moisture! As a result, you will have to alter the recipe, and it may not bake correctly. 

More Oatmeal Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed learning how to make banana bread oatmeal then you’ll definitely love our other oatmeal recipes. Don’t forget to try these great recipes too:

• A match made in heaven, fresh peaches and blueberries combine in these Peach Blueberry Baked Oats for the perfect healthy breakfast option. 
• Budget-friendly and decadent, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal tastes like dessert but is actually good for you! 
• Perfectly sweet and made with just a hint of spice, you’re going to want to make a big batch of this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal for an easy meal to enjoy throughout the week. 
• The ultimate superfood breakfast, these Date & Apricot Overnight Oats are made the night before for a game-changing meal prep breakfast!