This Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal recipe offers a delicious and nourishing start to your day. You will love how easy it is to prepare, creating a comforting breakfast that’s perfect for meal prepping. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy banana oat recipes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Rolled Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats can work but may result in a softer bake.
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for sweetness and moisture. The riper, the better.
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen work wonderfully.
- Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat) is fine.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar are good alternatives.
- Egg: A flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 mins) can be used for a vegan option.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250 kcal
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking dish, large mixing bowl, whisk.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This ensures your healthy banana oat recipes bake perfectly.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Then, whisk in the milk, maple syrup, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. This creates a flavorful base for your baked oatmeal.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry oat mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the oatmeal tough.
5. Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the blueberries. Distribute them evenly throughout the mixture. Your Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal is almost ready for the oven.
6. Bake Your Oatmeal
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Different Berries: Swap blueberries for raspberries or sliced strawberries.
- Spiced Up: Include a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for more warmth.
- Chocolate Chip: Stir in a quarter cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweet treat.
Storage Instructions:
You can store leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This makes healthy banana oat recipes great for meal prepping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you make this Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning. Simply cover and refrigerate before baking.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: If you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, this recipe will be gluten-free.
Q: Can you use frozen blueberries?
A: Absolutely! There’s no need to thaw them before adding to the mixture.
Q: How do you know when the bananas are ripe enough?
A: Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots on their peel; they will be sweeter and easier to mash.
Q: Can you substitute the maple syrup?
A: Yes, you can use honey or agave nectar as a 1:1 substitute for the maple syrup.
Q: What if you don’t have baking powder?
A: Baking powder helps with a lighter texture, but you can omit it if you don’t have it on hand. The texture will be a bit denser.
