If you’re ready to elevate your breakfast game, get ready because our Banana Date Oatmeal Bake is next-level! With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can create an amazing morning treat bursting with sweet, fruity goodness.
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We absolutely LOVE this oatmeal bake because it’s 100% guilt-free! With no processed sugar in sight, it relies solely on the natural sweetness of dates to create a delicious caramelized flavor.
Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze. The magic of the date paste truly shines here, adding that extra layer of richness and decadence that makes this bake an irresistible treat!
The Best Way to Start Your Day
We’re big fans of oatmeal, maybe Alia loves it a little more then Radwa ;). We love it even more when we can prep a batch in advance. There’s no better (or easier) way to start the day, and this banana date oatmeal bake is one of our favorite recipes.
Infused with all of the sweet, natural goodness of bananas and dates, it’s hearty, nutritious, and incredibly easy to make. Then, we add chopped nuts and chocolate chips on top for an extra indulgent touch. You’ll feel like you’re eating dessert, but it will keep you full and satisfied until your next meal.
Make a big batch in advance, and reheat it in single-serving portions for quick meals throughout the week!
Ingredients
Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this recipe. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
- Oats – Use old-fashioned oats (also known as rolled oats) for the best taste and texture.
- Dates – Use pitted Medjool dates to create a date paste and sweeten the oatmeal.
- Baking Soda – This helps to create the jammy texture of the dates.
- Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt add a warm, comforting flavor.
- Milk – Use your milk of choice to add moisture and combine the ingredients.
- Bananas – Ripe bananas are best. Mash them into a smooth consistency to infuse the oatmeal with their rich sweetness.
- Egg – This helps hold the baked oatmeal together. We haven’t tested this recipe with egg substitutes and can’t guarantee your results if you use them instead.
- Vanilla – Use high-quality pure vanilla extract to enhance the sweet flavor of the oatmeal.
- Toppings – Dark chocolate chips and walnuts add even more sweet flavor and a satisfying crunch.
How to Make This Banana Date Oatmeal Bake
Before you begin, preheat your oven, and grease a non-stick baking dish with cooking spray.
- Simmer the dates. Combine the dates with water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Then, simmer until the dates are tender.
- Create date paste. Mash the fruit until it forms a paste. Then, stir in the baking soda, and set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
- Combine the ingredients. Add the mashed bananas, oats, spices, milk, egg, vanilla, and date paste to a large mixing bowl. Mix to combine.
- Layer. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips and walnuts evenly on top.
- Bake. Transfer the baking dish to the oven, and bake until the oatmeal is set and the top is golden brown.
- Slice. Allow the date oatmeal to cool slightly. Then, slice it into squares, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Flavor Variations
- Swap the Toppings. Add to or replace the toppings with any ingredients you like best. Pistachios, pecans, almonds, coconut flakes, bananas, strawberries, or blueberries all work well.
- Mix and Match Spices. Add to or replace the spices with options like allspice or cardamom.
- Use Half-and-Half. Replace half or all the milk with half and half for a creamier consistency and a richer taste.
- Incorporate Protein. Stir in your favorite vanilla or neutral-flavored protein powder, and add more liquid as needed to combine the ingredients.
Topping Ideas
While this banana date oatmeal recipe is already bursting with flavor, why not take it up a notch with some other delectable toppings? Here are a few ideas for inspiration:
- Bananas
- Maple Syrup or Honey
- Yogurt
- Nut Butter Drizzle
- Coconut Flakes
- Whipped Cream
Can I Make Overnight Oats with this Recipe?
Sure! Follow the instructions to make the date paste. Then, combine all the ingredients, and let them rest in the fridge overnight. Add a splash of milk as needed to loosen the oats back up.
How to Store and Reheat
This date oatmeal bake makes for fantastic
The oatmeal will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. Or, you can freeze it for up to three months.
Thaw the oatmeal in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat leftovers in the oven, or warm single-serving portions in the microwave. It will taste as good as new!
More Flavor-Filled Oatmeal Recipes
Looking to infuse your oatmeal with other flavors? We’ve got you covered with these amazing oatmeal recipes that make for an amazing start to the day:
- Healthy Baked Banana Bread Oatmeal
- Baked Apple Oatmeal
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bake
- Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal
Banana Date Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 10 Medjool dates + 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Spray an 11×7 inch non-stick baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine the Medjool dates with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and simmer for about 5 minutes until the dates are tender. Mash the dates until they form a smooth paste. Stir in the baking soda, and let it cool for about 10 minutes.10 Medjool dates + 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon baking soda
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and the prepared date paste. Mix until well combined.2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 cups milk of choice, 3 ripe bananas, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips and chopped walnuts over the top.1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the oatmeal is set and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, and let it cool slightly before slicing into squares.
- Serve warm with toppings of choice as additional sliced bananas, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of yogurt. Enjoy the delicious and nutritious banana date oatmeal bake!
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Love it – easy to make and delicious to eat – definitely going to be a ‘go to’ breakfast for the future
We’re so glad! Thank you for trying it out, Monica. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Sooooo good! Ty
All I have is quick oats. Will these work?
We wouldn’t recommend it! The texture won’t be the same.
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
My family loved this recipe, and not all of them normally like baked oatmeal. I used almond milk, and I had to bake maybe 10 min longer than the recipe called for to make sure it was set. Making it again a few days later, since they were fighting over the last bit of it!
We’re so happy to hear this, Sandi! Thank you for trying it out. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Thanks for this delicious recipe. can it be frozen?
Yes! You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
We hope you enjoy!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa