Wholesome Banana Bread Baked Oats: A Cozy, Nourishing Breakfast Favorite

Wholesome Banana Bread Baked Oats have become one of my favorite comfort breakfasts especially on chilly mornings. The first time I made this, I had two bananas that were almost too far gone and just enough oats left in the jar. It wasn’t meant to be anything fancy, but when the warm cinnamon smell filled the kitchen, my kids peeked in asking what I was baking. That golden-baked bowl of banana bread oats quickly turned into a weekend ritual. It’s sweet, simple, and full of nourishing, feel-good ingredients.

Why I Make These Wholesome Banana Bread Baked Oats So Often

This is the kind of dish that brings the family together. Whether it’s a quick weekday breakfast or a cozy brunch, these baked oats never disappoint. They remind me of a cross between banana bread and an oatmeal casserole comforting but still wholesome. I’ve baked this wholesome banana bread baked oats recipe countless times for brunch get-togethers, after school snacks, or meal prepped breakfasts when mornings are chaotic.

It’s also incredibly customizable. Sometimes I fold in chocolate chips; other times, I layer sliced bananas on top before baking. And on lazy Sundays, I serve it warm with a drizzle of almond butter. It’s a dish that fits perfectly alongside my go to recipes like banana chocolate chip pumpkin bread and walnut banana bread.

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Wholesome Banana Bread Baked Oats in ceramic dish, close-up

Wholesome Banana Bread Baked Oats


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  • Author: Sam
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A warm, comforting breakfast that tastes like banana bread but with the wholesomeness of baked oats. Perfect for cozy mornings or meal prep!


Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 2 tbsp chopped nuts or chocolate chips


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish or two ramekins.
  2. In a bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Add egg, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine.
  3. Stir in oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
  4. Pour into prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.
  6. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as is, or with almond butter drizzle.

Notes

For variation, add chocolate chips, sliced bananas on top, or swirl in nut butter. Easily made vegan with flax egg and plant-based milk.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 2 tbsp chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Ingredients for Wholesome Banana Bread Baked Oats on wooden counter

How to Make Wholesome Banana Bread Baked Oats

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or two ramekins.

In a mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the egg, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine.

2. Mix and Bake

Add the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl. Stir everything together until fully combined. Pour into the greased baking dish and smooth out the top.

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center. Let cool slightly before serving.

If you love cozy fall flavors, try pairing it with something like these healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars for a perfect seasonal brunch.

Tips & Tricks

  • Swap the banana: If you’re out of bananas, unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree also works great.
  • Add-ins: Chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans take it to the next level.
  • Make it vegan: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and plant-based milk.
  • Avoid overmixing: Stir just enough to combine the ingredients; overmixing can lead to dense oats.

For a sweet twist, add a swirl of peanut butter before baking or try caramelized bananas like in this easy air fryer version.

Delicious Variations

  1. Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats
    Swap banana for applesauce and top with chopped apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Perfect with apple cinnamon bread on the side.
  2. Chocolate Zucchini Banana Oats
    Add shredded zucchini and dark chocolate chips for extra moisture and richness. Inspired by our reader favorite banana zucchini bread.
  3. Pumpkin Spice Baked Oats
    Replace bananas with canned pumpkin and use pumpkin pie spice. This pairs beautifully with pumpkin s’mores cookies on a fall dessert table.
Three variations of wholesome banana bread baked oats on plate

Storage & Make Ahead Tips

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
  • Freezer: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
  • Meal Prep: Bake a big batch on Sunday and enjoy warm slices throughout the week. It pairs great with a light lunch like this strawberry spinach salad.

Final Thoughts: Make These Wholesome Banana Bread Baked Oats Your Own

There’s something so satisfying about baking a warm, homemade breakfast that tastes like a treat but feels like a hug. These wholesome banana bread baked oats are that kind of recipe. They’re easy, nourishing, and endlessly customizable. I’d love to hear how yours turns out did you add chocolate chips or go full fall with pumpkin spice?

Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite variation or share a photo on Instagram and tag us!

Can I make this without an oven?

Absolutely. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before using.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before using.

Is this gluten free?

Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats.

Can I make it nut free?

Of course! Just skip the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds or chocolate chips.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Use a larger baking dish and increase the bake time to 35–40 minutes.

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