Craving a healthy and delicious start to your day? These Strawberry Banana Oat Cups are a fantastic option, offering a perfect blend of fruity sweetness and wholesome oats in an easy-to-grab format. They’re a delightful take on Healthy Banana Oat Baked Goods, ideal for breakfast or a snack.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for natural sweetness and binding. You can use slightly overripe bananas for more sweetness.
- Rolled Oats: The base of your oat cups. Quick oats work too, but rolled oats provide more texture.
- Fresh Strawberries: Adds juicy flavor. Frozen strawberries work if thawed and drained.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener. Honey or agave nectar are good substitutes.
- Nut Butter: Helps bind and adds richness. Peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter are all excellent choices.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup nut butter (like peanut or almond)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 35-40 minutes
- Servings: 12 oat cups
- Tools needed: Muffin tin, mixing bowls, fork or potato masher.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash your ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. This creates the wet base for your Healthy Banana Oat Baked Goods.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the maple syrup, nut butter, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
4. Mix in Dry Ingredients
To the wet mixture, add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the oats are evenly coated and everything is well incorporated.
5. Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the strawberry pieces to remain intact.
6. Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Press down gently with the back of a spoon to compact the mixture.
7. Bake Your Oat Cups
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the Strawberry Banana Oat Cups cool in the muffin tin for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade Healthy Banana Oat Baked Goods!
Variation Ideas:
- Add a handful of chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
- Mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut for tropical flavor.
- Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries.
- Include a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra omega-3s.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Strawberry Banana Oat Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you use quick oats instead of rolled oats? Yes, quick oats work but will result in a slightly softer texture.
- Are these suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! They are perfect for preparing ahead for breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
- Can you make these gluten-free? Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to ensure they are gluten-free.
- How do you know when the bananas are ripe enough? Look for bananas with brown spots on the peel; these are sweeter and mash more easily.
- Can you omit the nut butter? You can, but the nut butter helps with binding and adds richness. You might need to add a tablespoon more mashed banana if omitting.
- What if the oat cups are too crumbly? Ensure your bananas are very ripe and you’ve packed the mixture firmly into the muffin cups before baking.
