If you are searching for a comforting, wholesome breakfast that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich creaminess of peanut butter, all baked into a tender, hearty oatmeal that will fuel your mornings with both nutrition and nostalgia. It’s incredibly easy to make, uses simple pantry staples, and offers a delightful twist with semi-sweet chocolate chips that melt into gooey pockets of happiness. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or craving something cozy on a weekend morning, this baked oatmeal hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of ingredients can transform your breakfast routine, and each one in this Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the soft bananas that lend sweetness and moisture to the cinnamon that adds a warm spice, every component is essential for that irresistibly delicious result.
- Mashed bananas (1 cup): The natural sweetness and moisture source, making the oatmeal tender and flavorful without added sugars.
- Creamy peanut butter (¼ cup): Adds rich creaminess and a hearty nutty flavor that complements the bananas beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor with a subtle sweetness and aroma.
- Maple syrup (¼ cup): Provides natural sweetness with a hint of caramel, balancing the dish perfectly.
- Brown sugar, packed (¼ cup): Deepens the sweetness and helps create a slight caramelized crust on top.
- Egg (1): Binds all ingredients together, ensuring perfect structure and fluffiness.
- Milk (½ cup): Adds moisture for a soft, creamy texture.
- Rolled oats (2 ½ cups): The hearty base that brings wholesome fiber and a satisfying chew.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle lift, preventing the oatmeal from becoming too dense.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances and intensifies the sweetness and flavors.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a cozy, inviting spice.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melt into pockets of indulgent chocolate, turning every bite into a little treat.
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by greasing a 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your baked oatmeal will come out easily without any sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the batter. Baking at this moderate heat allows the oatmeal to cook through evenly, developing a golden-brown crust without drying out.
Step 3: Combine the Banana and Peanut Butter
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth, then stir in the creamy peanut butter. Mixing these first helps distribute that luscious peanut flavor evenly, creating a rich base for your oatmeal.
Step 4: Add the Sweeteners and Egg
Next, pour in the vanilla extract, maple syrup, brown sugar, and the egg. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth, making sure the egg is fully incorporated to help bind your oatmeal as it bakes.
Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients and Milk
Now it’s time to add the milk, rolled oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until all the oats are moistened and the spices are evenly distributed, giving you a thick, hearty batter ready for baking.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Chocolate
Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle a generous handful of chocolate chips on top—they’ll melt into gooey pockets as it bakes, adding bursts of chocolatey delight with every bite.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the top springs back slightly when nudged. This perfect bake time means your oatmeal will be tender, not wet, and just firm enough to cut into squares.
Step 8: Add a Finishing Touch
After removing from the oven, let it cool just a bit, then drizzle melted peanut butter over the top for an extra layer of lusciousness. This finishing touch turns your baked oatmeal from delicious to downright irresistible.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped nuts like peanuts or walnuts adds delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft oatmeal. Fresh banana slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also bring freshness and creaminess to each serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your baked oatmeal with a glass of cold milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a fulfilling breakfast. A side of mixed berries or a simple fruit salad provides a refreshing balance of tartness and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the baked oatmeal warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with honey and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes. You could even turn leftovers into bars for a grab-and-go snack by cutting into squares and wrapping individually.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal keeps beautifully covered in the fridge for up to four days. Keep it airtight to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this treat beyond a few days, freeze individual slices in a sealed container or freezer bag. They freeze well for up to three months and thaw quickly when you need a convenient breakfast.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed slices in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until warm. You can also pop them in a toaster oven to revive that crisp edge, making the baked oatmeal taste freshly made all over again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a lovely texture contrast, giving little pops of crunch throughout the baked oatmeal.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
You can make it vegan by substituting the egg with flax or chia egg and using a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Just be sure to choose maple syrup or another vegan sweetener.
Can I omit the chocolate chips?
Definitely! The chocolate chips add sweetness and gooeyness, but the baked oatmeal will still be delicious without them—feel free to swap them out for dried fruit or nuts if you prefer.
What’s the best way to tell when the oatmeal is done baking?
Look for golden edges and a top that springs back when gently pressed. It shouldn’t be jiggly or wet in the center; firm but still moist is the goal.
Can I add other flavors or spices?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of ginger to add new dimensions of flavor to the classic Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe is such a nourishing, delicious way to start your day, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of the kind of flavors that make you look forward to breakfast. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a regular in your morning routine, bringing warmth and a little joy with each bite.
Print
Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings (slices)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal is a wholesome and delicious breakfast treat, combining creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and chocolate chips for a naturally sweet and satisfying dish. Perfectly baked to golden brown perfection, it offers a warm and comforting start to your day, packed with fiber and protein.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed bananas (approximately 2 medium)
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 2 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, then set aside to prepare the batter.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you mix the ingredients.
- Mix banana and peanut butter: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas and creamy peanut butter, stirring until fully integrated to create a smooth base.
- Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the vanilla extract, maple syrup, brown sugar, and the egg into the banana and peanut butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until the batter is uniform.
- Combine dry ingredients: Stir in the milk, rolled oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until all components are evenly blended into the batter.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the oatmeal batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Add chocolate chips: Sprinkle a handful of extra semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake: Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges begin to brown and the top springs back slightly when pressed.
- Serve warm: Once baked, allow the oatmeal to cool slightly, then drizzle with melted peanut butter on top before serving to enhance the peanut flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
- For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave.
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and better flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing or omitting the brown sugar if desired.
