These Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups are not only a healthy breakfast but also a perfect on-the-go snack. Their subtle sweetness from ripe bananas, combined with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, create a cozy, comforting bite. Plus, they are easily customizable—add walnuts for a bit of crunch or chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or simply craving a wholesome treat, these oatmeal cups are both filling and nutritious. They’re a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them an excellent start to your day. You can also freeze them for a quick breakfast option when you’re pressed for time. These oatmeal cups will quickly become a staple in your breakfast routine!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 ripe bananas, mashed
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1 1/2 cups rolled oats
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 eggs
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1 1/2 cups milk (or dairy-free milk)
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1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
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1/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners.
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In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
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Add oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder to the mashed bananas and stir to combine.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, vanilla extract, eggs, and milk.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
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If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips.
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Spoon the oatmeal mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
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Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Allow the oatmeal cups to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 12 cups
Why Choose Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups?
One of the greatest benefits of banana baked oatmeal cups is their simplicity. The ingredients are accessible and healthy, making them a perfect choice for those who want a nutritious breakfast without spending too much time in the kitchen. They are naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and honey, eliminating the need for processed sugars. The oats provide a great source of fiber, which can help keep you full longer, while the bananas offer potassium and other essential vitamins.
Another fantastic feature of these oatmeal cups is their versatility. While the recipe calls for walnuts, you can customize them to suit your preferences. Feel free to add chocolate chips, blueberries, or even other nuts like almonds or pecans. This flexibility ensures you can create different flavors to match your mood or dietary needs. Additionally, these oatmeal cups are freezer-friendly, meaning you can prepare them in batches and store them for a quick breakfast option when you’re pressed for time.
How to Make the Perfect Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
To make these oatmeal cups, the process is straightforward. You start by combining the dry ingredients, such as oats, cinnamon, and baking powder. Next, the wet ingredients, including mashed bananas, milk, and honey, are mixed together. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fact that you don’t need to worry about overly complicated steps. Just mix the wet and dry ingredients together, pour the mixture into muffin cups, and bake!
It is crucial to use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture. The riper the banana, the more naturally sweet it will be, contributing to the delicious taste of these oatmeal cups. The mashed bananas provide the binding moisture, while the oats absorb the liquid and firm up as they bake, creating a soft yet firm texture.
Adding Variations for Extra Flavor
Banana baked oatmeal cups offer a variety of ways to change up the flavor based on your preferences. For those who love nuts, you can add walnuts for an extra crunch that pairs perfectly with the banana flavor. If you have a sweet tooth, consider adding semi-sweet chocolate chips, which melt into the oatmeal and create a delicious treat. For a fresh and fruity twist, you can stir in some blueberries, either fresh or frozen, for a burst of color and sweetness.
These variations allow you to experiment and personalize the recipe to suit your tastes. If you prefer a dairy-free or vegan option, feel free to substitute the milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Once the oatmeal cups are baked, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They make for a great meal prep option, ensuring you always have a quick, healthy breakfast available. When you want to enjoy one, simply warm it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for a quick breakfast boost.
For longer storage, these oatmeal cups freeze beautifully. If you decide to make a larger batch, you can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, simply leave them in the refrigerator overnight, and when you’re ready to enjoy, warm them in the microwave. This makes them a perfect option for busy mornings, offering the convenience of having a homemade, nutritious breakfast ready to go whenever you need it.
Health Benefits of Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
These oatmeal cups pack a punch in terms of health benefits. The oats in the recipe are a great source of soluble fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote a feeling of fullness. Additionally, oats have been shown to lower cholesterol levels, making them heart-healthy. The bananas not only provide natural sweetness but also offer potassium, a mineral essential for heart health and muscle function. The walnuts, if added, provide healthy fats and protein, making the oatmeal cups even more satisfying.
By eliminating refined sugars and opting for natural sweeteners like honey and bananas, you can enjoy a guilt-free breakfast that fuels your body with the nutrients it needs. Furthermore, these oatmeal cups are customizable for various dietary needs, making them suitable for gluten-free, dairy-free, and even vegan diets.
Making These Oatmeal Cups a Staple in Your Diet
Banana baked oatmeal cups are an excellent addition to your breakfast rotation. They offer the convenience of a grab-and-go meal while providing all the necessary nutrients for a balanced start to your day. Whether you prefer them plain, with chocolate chips, or loaded with fruit and nuts, these oatmeal cups are sure to become a family favorite. They are a great option for kids, as they are not only delicious but also full of wholesome ingredients that are good for them.
Conclusion
Banana baked oatmeal cups are a healthy, delicious, and convenient breakfast option that you can make ahead of time. They are perfect for those looking for a meal that is both nutritious and easy to prepare. With the ability to customize the flavors and add-ins, you can create different variations to suit your preferences. Plus, they are freezer-friendly, so you can always have a healthy breakfast ready when you need it. If you haven’t tried making these banana baked oatmeal cups yet, it’s definitely worth giving them a try. They are sure to become a regular in your meal planning and breakfast repertoire.
These oatmeal cups offer a comforting and satisfying breakfast that the whole family can enjoy. So go ahead and bake a batch today — your mornings just got a whole lot easier and tastier!