Banana Baked Oatmeal with Cinnamon and Maple Syrup
This hearty baked oatmeal combines mashed bananas, warm spices, and maple syrup for a naturally sweet breakfast that's perfect for meal prep. The oats bake into a cake-like texture that's satisfying and wholesome. Serve warm with a dollop of nut butter and fresh banana slices for extra richness. Great for feeding a crowd at brunch or preparing ahead for busy weekday mornings. The combination of cinnamon and allspice gives it a comforting, almost coffee-cake flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup pecan pieces(optional)walnuts or chopped almonds1:1nuts
similar texture and flavor
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup banana, mashed
- 1 ¾ cups milk of choiceany plant milk1:1dairy_free
maintains vegan status
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- banana slices, for serving(optional)
- almond butter or peanut butter, for serving(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
- 2
Grease an 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan with coconut oil or neutral oil
- 3
Mix together rolled oats, pecan pieces, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and kosher salt in a medium bowl
- 4
Dump the dry ingredients into the prepared pan
- 5
Mash the bananas in the same bowl
- 6
Whisk together mashed bananas, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla
- 7
Drizzle the milk mixture over the oats and stir lightly with a fork to incorporate evenly
- 8
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and the mixture has set
- 9
Remove from oven and cool for at least 10 minutes before serving
- 10
Spread with almond butter or peanut butter and top with banana slices before serving
Tips
Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and easier mashing.
Let the oatmeal cool for at least 10 minutes to allow the texture to fully set before cutting.
Reheat leftovers in a 300 degree oven or microwave until warm for best texture.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 week
Can be baked the night before and reheated in the morning
Serve warm with nut butter and fresh banana slices
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the cooling time or the texture won't fully set
Use ripe bananas to avoid bland flavor
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
maintains vegan status
General Alternatives
similar texture and flavor
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bake it the night before and reheat portions in the microwave or a 300 degree oven until warm.
What if I don't have allspice?
You can substitute with additional cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for similar warm spice flavor.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week and reheat individual portions as needed.