Banana Cinnamon Baked Oats

Name: Banana Cinnamon Baked Oats
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 2 cups milk (or dairy-free alternative); 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Optional toppings: sliced bananas, nuts, or chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baked Perfection

I recently discovered the joy of Banana Cinnamon Baked Oats, and it has quickly become a favorite in my morning routine. The warm, comforting flavors of banana and cinnamon meld together beautifully, creating a dish that feels indulgent while still being nutritious. Not only is it incredibly easy to whip up, but it also keeps me full and satisfied for hours. I love how versatile this recipe is; you can easily adapt it with whatever toppings you have on hand, making it a perfect way to use up ripe bananas. Give it a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Created by

Maribel Hayes

Last updated on 2026-02-08T01:09:36.411Z

When I first crafted this Banana Cinnamon Baked Oats recipe, I was on a quest for a breakfast that combined flavor with wholesome ingredients. I experimented with various spices and sweeteners before landing on the perfect ratio that enhances the natural sweetness of bananas without being overly sugary. This recipe allows you to enjoy a hearty meal that feels like a treat.

I also found that baking the oats instead of cooking them on the stovetop gave them a delightful texture and a caramelized flavor that’s unbeatable. The oats puff up, creating a creamy base that’s perfect for adding nuts or a drizzle of honey before serving. Every bite feels like a cozy hug!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The delightful aroma of cinnamon fills your kitchen while it bakes.
Perfect for meal prep – simply reheat for a quick breakfast.
Healthy, filling, and satisfying to start your day!

Understanding Ingredients

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the ripe bananas, which provide natural sweetness and a rich, creamy texture when baked. Opt for bananas that have plenty of brown spots, as they are sweeter and will create a more intense flavor in the baked oats. If you're out of ripe bananas, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce, using about 1/2 cup to achieve a similar moisture level while keeping the dish healthy.

Rolled oats are the backbone of this recipe, providing fiber and bulk. To ensure they cook evenly and absorb flavors, make sure to use rolled oats rather than quick oats, as the latter may turn mushy due to their finer texture. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different grains like quinoa or spelt flakes for a variation in taste and nutrition.

Perfecting Your Bake

Preheating your oven thoroughly to 350°F (175°C) is essential for achieving evenly baked oats. A well-preheated oven ensures that the oats rise properly and the edges turn golden brown without being undercooked in the center. As a tip, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, indicating it's perfectly baked.

If you find the baked oats are browning too quickly, consider covering your dish with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking. This will create a more humid environment, allowing the center to cook through without over-browning the top. Once the initial baking time is complete, remove the foil to let the top crisp and achieve that desirable golden color.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your Banana Cinnamon Baked Oats:

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
2 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional toppings: sliced bananas, nuts, or chocolate chips

Once you have everything ready, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Banana Cinnamon Baked Oats:

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with a little oil or butter.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix well until smooth.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Combine and Bake

Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is slightly golden.

Let it cool slightly and serve with your favorite toppings!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a handful of nuts or a sprinkle of cocoa powder to the mixture before baking. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add more milk as needed.

Storage and Reheating

Once cooled, the Banana Cinnamon Baked Oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. To keep them fresh, simply cut them into portions and place them in an airtight container. This way, you can grab a piece each morning for an easy breakfast option that’s both delicious and nutritious.

Reheating is simple and can be done either in the microwave or oven. For individual servings, I recommend using the microwave on medium power for about 1-2 minutes until heated through. If you prefer the oven method, reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered partially with foil to prevent drying out.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is highly versatile, and you can customize it extensively based on your preferences or what ingredients you have on hand. For a nutty flavor, try adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the mixture before baking. Alternatively, stir in a scoop of nut butter to infuse richness and creaminess—blend it into the wet ingredients for an even texture.

For those who enjoy a tropical twist, consider adding shredded coconut or chopped pineapple. You can also mix in a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries, to add another layer of sweetness. Experiment with spices too; a dash of nutmeg or ginger can elevate the flavor profile beautifully without overshadowing the beloved cinnamon.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats give a chewier consistency.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk and substitute the maple syrup with agave nectar.

→ How do I store leftover baked oats?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

→ Can I freeze baked oats?

Yes, freeze them in individual portions for a quick breakfast option. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.