Few things rival the cozy comfort of Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal: a dish that marries the nostalgia of homemade banana bread with the stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction of a hearty breakfast bake. Every bite is loaded with bursts of gooey chocolate, sweet ripe bananas, and tender oats, making it a morning treat that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Whether you craft it for a leisurely weekend brunch or prep it ahead for busy weekdays, this recipe brings a little warmth and a lot of happiness to your breakfast table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients to whip up this Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal. Each plays a starring role, from the creamy bananas to the mini chocolate chips, syncing up perfectly to create incredible flavor and texture.
- Ripe bananas: The spottier the better; they bring natural sweetness and moisture to every bite.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: They hold their shape as they bake, giving the dish its signature hearty texture.
- Baking powder: Just a teaspoon helps the oatmeal puff ever-so-slightly, keeping things light.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy undertones that play so nicely with banana and chocolate.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors to life.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds creaminess; use your favorite for the perfect custardy texture.
- Large egg: Binds the oatmeal and gives it a classic bake.
- Maple syrup or honey: Both offer a gentle, natural sweetness; use your preference!
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a hint of fragrant softness.
- Mini chocolate chips: Their size ensures even distribution and melty bites throughout the oatmeal.
- Melted butter or coconut oil (optional): For a richer, more tender crumb.
How to Make Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Let’s set the stage by preheating your oven to 375°F and giving an 8×8-inch baking dish a light greasing. This ensures easy serving, and everyone gets a perfect square with no sticking or crumbling.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and mash those ripe bananas until mostly smooth. Whisk in the milk, egg, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and the melted butter or coconut oil if you’re going for a richer taste. Everything should be well-blended, creating a base that smells amazing already.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Now sprinkle in the oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir just until everything is combined—this keeps your baked oatmeal from turning gooey or tough. The mixture will be thick and speckled with bits of banana and oats.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
It’s time for the star ingredient! Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the batter so every slice of Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal ends up with melty pockets of chocolate.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your mixture into the greased baking dish, smoothing the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should be a lovely golden brown and the center set—your kitchen will smell dreamy.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the baked oatmeal cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This gives it time to set up, ensuring clean edges and easy serving. Then dig in and enjoy every warm, melty, chocolate-laced mouthful!
How to Serve Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal
Garnishes
Really amp up the appeal with your favorite toppings: a handful of extra mini chocolate chips, a slice of banana or two, maybe a light dusting of cinnamon, or even a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup. Each addition brings a fresh twist to your bowl!
Side Dishes
Pair your Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal with crisp bacon, scrambled eggs, or a lively fruit salad for a well-rounded breakfast. It also plays nicely with a rich coffee or a tall glass of cold milk, balancing out sweet and savory flavors on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch or breakfast get-together, try baking individual portions in ramekins for a charming touch. Or cut the oatmeal into bars, wrap them in parchment, and turn them into grab-and-go handheld treats perfect for busy mornings or lunchbox surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then cover the baking dish or transfer pieces to an airtight container. It’ll taste just as amazing for up to five days.
Freezing
Looking to stash some oatmeal for later? Allow the squares to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can keep their goodness frozen for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave an individual serving for 30 to 60 seconds, or warm larger portions in a low oven at 300°F until heated through. You can even add a splash of milk to keep the texture extra creamy and inviting.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the egg for a flax egg and use your favorite non-dairy milk, then opt for dairy-free chocolate chips. It’ll be just as delicious and perfectly tender.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Quick oats will work in a pinch, though the texture will be a bit softer and less hearty. Old-fashioned rolled oats give you a chunkier, chewier result that really sets this recipe apart.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the oatmeal?
Of course! Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or your favorite dried fruit like raisins or cranberries before baking. Each addition brings another layer of flavor and a fun new texture.
How sweet is the final dish?
Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal is naturally sweet thanks to the ripe bananas and a touch of maple syrup or honey—plus those melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips. If you prefer things less sweet, feel free to reduce the maple syrup or honey slightly.
Is it okay to prepare this oatmeal the night before and bake in the morning?
Yes! You can assemble the oatmeal, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if needed. It’s a great way to streamline your busy mornings while still enjoying a wholesome, homemade breakfast.
Final Thoughts
Warm, nourishing, and speckled with pockets of chocolatey delight, Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal is a breakfast that makes every morning feel a bit more special. Try it once and you may just find yourself craving it all week long!
Print
Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful breakfast treat with this Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal. Perfectly sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, this wholesome dish is loaded with oats and chocolate chips for a comforting and nutritious morning meal.
Ingredients
For the Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, milk, egg, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted butter (if using). Stir until well blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until combined, then gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the baking dish and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until set. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can make this recipe vegan by using dairy-free milk and a flax egg. Add nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheated in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
