Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal

Introduction

Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal is a heartwarming and nutritious breakfast or snack that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of bananas, all wrapped in the wholesome goodness of oats. This baked oatmeal is not only a delicious way to start your day, but it also provides long-lasting energy, thanks to the balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday breakfast or a weekend treat, this recipe offers a comforting, customizable dish that the whole family will love.

With its hearty texture and the irresistible pairing of peanut butter and banana, this baked oatmeal is perfect for those seeking a wholesome, filling meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be prepped in advance for convenience. Ideal for anyone with a sweet tooth looking for a healthy option, this Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal will quickly become a breakfast favorite.

Perfect for:

• Busy mornings
• Meal prepping for the week
• Healthy breakfasts or snacks
• Family gatherings
• Peanut butter and banana lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal has all the qualities you need in a satisfying, healthy breakfast:

• Nutrient-Rich: Oats are a great source of fiber, while bananas offer potassium and natural sweetness. The peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein, making this breakfast filling and balanced.
• Naturally Sweetened: The bananas naturally sweeten the oatmeal without the need for refined sugars, giving it a wholesome, naturally sweet flavor.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can prepare this meal in under an hour, making it a quick and convenient option for busy mornings.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like chia seeds, flax seeds, dried fruits, or nuts to personalize the oatmeal to your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making it perfect for busy weeks where you need a grab-and-go meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 7g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or peanuts (optional)
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for extra indulgence)

Ingredient Highlights

• Bananas: Bananas provide natural sweetness and are rich in potassium, which helps with muscle function and hydration.
• Peanut Butter: Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, keeping you full longer and enhancing the overall flavor of the oatmeal.
• Oats: Rolled oats are the base of this recipe, providing a hearty, chewy texture and a good amount of fiber to keep you satisfied.
• Milk: The milk helps create a creamy consistency, but you can swap it for a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: These are optional sweeteners that you can add depending on how sweet you like your oatmeal, with maple syrup adding a lovely warm flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create the perfect Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal:

Prepare the Oatmeal Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the baked oatmeal.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter the oatmeal will be.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the peanut butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the peanut butter is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Sweeten the Oatmeal: If you’d like to add more sweetness, drizzle in some honey or maple syrup and stir to combine.

Add Optional Mix-ins:

7. Stir in the Optional Ingredients: If you’re adding nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins, fold them into the batter now, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Bake the Oatmeal:

8. Transfer to the Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
9. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for about 10-15 minutes before cutting it into squares.

Serve and Enjoy:

11. Cut and Serve: Slice the baked oatmeal into squares or bars, and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a dollop of peanut butter or fresh fruit if desired.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal

Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal can be served in several delicious ways:

• With Yogurt: Top your oatmeal with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and a bit of tang.
• With Fresh Fruit: Add fresh banana slices, berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet contrast to the rich oatmeal.
• For Breakfast or Snack: Serve it as a hearty breakfast or a snack to fuel your day with long-lasting energy.
• As a Dessert: If you’re craving something sweet, serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a decadent treat.

Additional Tips for Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal

Here are some tips to make your Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal even better:

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your baked oatmeal will be.
• Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your taste.
• Make It Vegan: Use non-dairy milk, and replace the eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Add Extra Protein: For an extra protein boost, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the batter.
• Chill for Meal Prep: This baked oatmeal can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast on the go.

Recipe Variations of Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal

Here are variations of Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal you can try:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal: Stir in cocoa powder and chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent twist on the original.
• Blueberry Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal: Add fresh or frozen blueberries for a burst of fruity sweetness.
• Cinnamon Roll Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal: Swirl in some cinnamon sugar before baking for a cinnamon roll-inspired flavor.
• Apple Cinnamon Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal: Add chopped apples and a dash of cinnamon for a fall-inspired variation.
• Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal with Chia Seeds: Add chia seeds for an added boost of omega-3s and fiber.

Freezing and Storage for Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal

• Freezing: You can freeze leftover baked oatmeal for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in the microwave.
• Storage: Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast.

Special Equipment for Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal

Here are special equipment items you might need to make :

• 9×9-inch Baking Dish: A square baking dish is perfect for making the ideal portion of oatmeal.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure your ingredients are balanced for the best flavor and texture.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for the wet ingredients and a separate one for the dry ingredients.
• Spatula: A spatula is essential for folding in the ingredients without overmixing.
• Fork or Potato Masher: A fork or masher is great for mashing the bananas into a smooth consistency.

FAQ Section about Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
   Rolled oats work best for texture, but you can use quick oats in a pinch. Just be aware that the texture may be a little softer.
2. Can I make this baked oatmeal gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge, then bake it in the morning.
4. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
   Yes, almond butter or any other nut butter will work as a substitute for peanut butter.
5. Can I make it without eggs?
   Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute for a vegan version.

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Conclusion

Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal is a delicious, nutritious, and versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and customizable options, it’s a great choice for breakfast, snack, or even dessert. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or as part of your meal prep, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the delicious combination of peanut butter and banana in every bite!