The BEST Baked Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal!
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, hearty breakfast that fills your kitchen with the sweet aroma of ripe bananas and juicy blueberries. This baked blueberry banana oatmeal is a game-changer—whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a cozy brunch, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Imagine tender oats, caramelized bananas, and bursts of blueberry goodness in every bite. It’s wholesome, delicious, and incredibly easy to make. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re still on the fence about trying this baked oatmeal, here’s why it’s a must-make:
- Perfect for meal prep – Bake it once, and enjoy it all week long. It reheats beautifully, making busy mornings a breeze.
- Naturally sweetened – Ripe bananas and a touch of maple syrup keep it just sweet enough without being overly sugary.
- Packed with nutrients – Oats, blueberries, and bananas deliver fiber, antioxidants, and potassium for a nourishing start to your day.
- Crowd-pleasing versatility – Serve it warm with yogurt for breakfast or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Easy to customize – Swap in your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices to make it your own.
Ingredients Breakdown
Every ingredient in this baked blueberry banana oatmeal plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor:
- Rolled oats – The star of the dish, providing a chewy, hearty base. Avoid quick oats for the best texture.
- Ripe bananas – They add natural sweetness, moisture, and a creamy texture when mashed.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries – Bursting with juicy flavor and antioxidants. Frozen berries work just as well if fresh aren’t in season.
- Milk (dairy or plant-based) – Keeps the oatmeal moist and tender. Almond milk, oat milk, or whole milk all work beautifully.
- Eggs – Help bind everything together for a sliceable texture.
- Maple syrup or honey – A touch of natural sweetness to enhance the fruit flavors.
- Cinnamon and vanilla extract – Warm spices that elevate the overall taste.
- Baking powder – Gives the oatmeal a slight lift, making it fluffy rather than dense.
How to Make The BEST Baked Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal!
Follow these simple steps for a foolproof baked oatmeal every time:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth. Add the eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla, whisking until well combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, stir together the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients – Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.
- Transfer to the baking dish – Spread the mixture evenly and top with a few extra banana slices and blueberries for a pretty finish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes – The oatmeal should be golden on top and set in the middle. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Pro tip: For extra caramelized flavor, drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the top before baking.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Take your baked oatmeal to the next level with these expert tricks:
- Use extra-ripe bananas – The spottier, the better! They’ll be sweeter and mash more easily.
- Let the batter rest for 10 minutes before baking to allow the oats to absorb some of the liquid for a creamier texture.
- For a crispier top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking (watch closely to prevent burning).
- If using frozen blueberries, toss them in a bit of flour before folding them in to prevent sinking.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are some delicious ways to switch it up:
- Nutty crunch – Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra texture.
- Chocolate twist – Stir in dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs for a decadent version.
- Tropical vibes – Swap blueberries for diced mango or pineapple and add shredded coconut.
- Gluten-free – Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Vegan option – Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk.
What to Serve With It
While this baked oatmeal is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right sides can make it even more special:
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for added creaminess.
- Drizzle of extra maple syrup or a spoonful of almond butter.
- Fresh fruit salad or a side of crispy bacon for a sweet-savory balance.
- A hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of cold-pressed juice.
How to Store and Reheat
This baked oatmeal keeps wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep:
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze – Slice into portions and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat – Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
No, steel-cut oats won’t soften enough in this recipe. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes! Substitute each egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) for a vegan-friendly version.
Why is my baked oatmeal too dry?
You may have overbaked it or used too many oats. Check for doneness at the 30-minute mark and adjust liquid slightly if needed.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes if needed.
Final Thoughts
This baked blueberry banana oatmeal is more than just breakfast—it’s a hug in a dish. Whether you’re savoring it slowly on a lazy Sunday or grabbing a quick slice on a hectic weekday, it never disappoints. The combination of sweet bananas, tangy blueberries, and warm cinnamon is pure comfort food magic. I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Tag me on social media or leave a comment below with your favorite variations. Happy baking!
Print
The BEST Baked Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal!
Description
This baked oatmeal is the perfect healthy breakfast or brunch dish! Packed with juicy blueberries, sweet bananas, and warm spices, it’s deliciously comforting and easy to make ahead for busy mornings.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- For the oatmeal base:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- For the wet ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the mix-ins:
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- For topping (optional):
- Additional banana slices
- Extra blueberries
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, egg, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Fold in the mashed banana and blueberries.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with additional banana slices, blueberries, or nuts if desired.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For a vegan version, use a flax egg and plant-based milk.