This Healthy Baked Oatmeal and Banana is one of those comforting breakfasts that feels like dessert but nourishes your body from the inside out. Warm, soft, and naturally sweet, it’s a wholesome dish that satisfies your morning cravings while keeping you full for hours. The creamy texture of ripe bananas blends perfectly with hearty oats, a touch of cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla to create a baked oatmeal that’s cozy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re making it for a quick weekday breakfast or a relaxed Sunday brunch, this easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into something that feels indulgent yet guilt-free.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe bananas (about 200 g / 7 oz), mashed

• 2 cups (200 g) rolled oats

• 1 ½ cups (375 ml) milk or almond milk

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter

• ¼ cup (40 g) chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

• ¼ cup (40 g) raisins or cranberries (optional)

• 1 small banana, sliced (for topping)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the oven and pan. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish (about 8×8 inches) or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mash the bananas. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and creamy. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your oatmeal will be naturally.

3. Add the wet ingredients. Whisk in the eggs, milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and honey (if using). Mix until fully combined.

4. Mix in the dry ingredients. Add the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well until the oats are evenly coated and the mixture is thick but pourable.

5. Add the extras. Fold in chopped nuts and dried fruits for extra flavor and texture. You can skip these if you prefer a smoother oatmeal.

6. Assemble for baking. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top. Arrange banana slices on top for a pretty finish and added sweetness.

7. Bake. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.

8. Cool slightly. Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together perfectly.

9. Serve warm. Enjoy as-is or top with Greek yogurt, nut butter, or a drizzle of warm milk.

Nutrients

• Calories: 240 kcal per serving

• Protein: 8 g

• Fat: 9 g

• Carbohydrates: 32 g

• Fiber: 4 g

• Potassium: 12% DV

• Iron: 10% DV

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked oatmeal is a dream for anyone who loves breakfast that’s both easy and satisfying. It’s naturally sweetened with bananas, so there’s no need for refined sugar. The oats soak up the banana and cinnamon flavors, giving every bite that warm, cozy taste reminiscent of banana bread. It’s also wonderfully flexible — you can bake it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat it for a grab-and-go breakfast all week long. Best of all, it’s hearty and nourishing without feeling heavy, making it perfect for busy mornings, meal prepping, or even a healthy snack.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

Baked oatmeal originated as a wholesome breakfast dish in Pennsylvania Dutch country, designed to bring warmth and nourishment to cold mornings. Over time, it’s evolved into countless variations, with fruits, nuts, and spices transforming it into a modern, health-conscious favorite. This particular version — with banana — takes inspiration from classic banana bread but swaps out flour, sugar, and butter for nutrient-dense oats, natural fruit sweetness, and heart-healthy fats. It’s a reflection of how traditional comfort food can adapt beautifully to today’s wellness-driven lifestyles.

Ingredient Spotlight

Bananas: The heart of this recipe. Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, moisture, and potassium, making the dish both flavorful and nourishing.
Rolled Oats: A fiber-rich ingredient that forms the base of the bake. They help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide slow-releasing energy throughout the morning.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and subtle sweetness while helping balance blood sugar.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Optional but adds a touch of natural sweetness that enhances the banana flavor.
Nuts and Raisins: Add crunch, chew, and a nutritional boost of healthy fats and antioxidants.
Coconut Oil: Gives a light, buttery texture and subtle richness without overpowering the banana flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This baked oatmeal keeps well and actually tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 30–40 seconds or warm it in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic or stored in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen.

Common Variations to Try

There are endless ways to customize this recipe. Swap out bananas for applesauce or grated apples for a lighter, fruitier version. Add blueberries, raspberries, or diced pears before baking for bursts of fresh flavor. Replace nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. You can also mix in a scoop of protein powder or a few tablespoons of peanut butter to make it even more filling. For a dessert-style treat, sprinkle dark chocolate chips on top before baking — they melt beautifully into the warm oats.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory breakfast sides. For a balanced meal, serve it with a side of Greek yogurt or a boiled egg for extra protein. For drinks, it goes perfectly with black coffee, almond latte, or a glass of warm milk. You can also enjoy it with a fresh fruit salad or smoothie on the side. If you’re serving it for brunch, a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of crushed nuts make it extra special.

Health Benefits

Healthy Baked Oatmeal and Banana offers more than just great taste — it’s packed with nutrients your body loves. Oats are rich in soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol and supports heart health. Bananas provide potassium and magnesium for balanced electrolytes and healthy muscle function. The protein from eggs and milk helps sustain energy levels, while healthy fats from nuts and coconut oil contribute to satiety and hormone balance. It’s a wholesome, balanced meal that supports steady energy, good digestion, and a happy mood — proof that nutritious food can still taste incredible.

Conclusion

Healthy Baked Oatmeal and Banana is the kind of recipe that brings warmth and nourishment to any morning. It’s simple, hearty, and endlessly adaptable — a perfect blend of natural sweetness, comforting texture, and feel-good nutrition. Whether you eat it fresh from the oven or enjoy it as a make-ahead breakfast during the week, it delivers the perfect mix of comfort and convenience. With its golden top, creamy center, and sweet aroma of banana and cinnamon, it’s proof that wholesome ingredients can create something truly satisfying. This is the breakfast you’ll look forward to again and again — simple, healthy, and absolutely delicious.