Baked Oatmeal with Blueberries and Bananas
Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of baked oatmeal wafting through your kitchen. This Baked Oatmeal with Blueberries and Bananas is not only a delicious way to start your day, but it’s also packed with nutrients, thanks to the wholesome ingredients. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and wholesome, making it an ideal breakfast for both busy weekdays and leisurely weekends.
Picture golden-brown, slightly crispy edges and the soft, tender center speckled with juicy blueberries and sweet banana slices. It’s a dish that is both satisfying and nourishing, perfect for feeding the whole family or meal-prepping for the week ahead. Let’s dive into what makes this delightful dish so special.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
– **Easy to Make**: This baked oatmeal comes together in just a few simple steps.
– **Healthy Ingredients**: Packed with oats, fruit, and nuts, it’s a breakfast you can feel good about.
– **Customizable**: Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits or nuts based on what you have on hand.
– **Meal Prep Friendly**: Make a big batch for easy breakfasts throughout the week.
– **Naturally Sweetened**: With ripe bananas and a touch of honey or maple syrup, it’s sweet without added sugars.
Ingredient Rundown
- 2 medium ripe bananas, sliced into 1/2″ pieces: The riper, the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries: Fresh or frozen, these little gems burst with flavor and antioxidants.
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: A natural sweetener that can be adjusted to your taste.
- 1 cup uncooked quick or old-fashioned oats: The base of our baked oatmeal, providing fiber and heartiness.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: For a crunchy texture and healthy fats.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: To give the oatmeal a fluffy rise.
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, perfectly complementing the fruit.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup fat-free milk (or any milk you desire): Adds moisture; choose your favorite variety, dairy or non-dairy.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds protein.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla brings everything together beautifully.
Equipment at a Glance
- Mixing bowl: For combining ingredients.
- 9×9-inch baking dish: The perfect size for this baked oatmeal.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
- Whisk: For mixing wet ingredients together.
- Spoon or spatula: For scooping and spreading the mixture.
From Start to Finish: Baked Oatmeal with Blueberries and Bananas
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your baked oatmeal cooks evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well mixed to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Incorporate Bananas and Blueberries
Add the sliced bananas and blueberries to the wet mixture, gently folding them in to avoid smashing the berries.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Add Nuts
Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease your 9×9-inch baking dish and pour the oatmeal mixture into it. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut into squares and serve warm, perhaps with a drizzle of extra honey or a splash of milk on top.
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
- For a nut-free option, omit the walnuts or pecans, or substitute with sunflower seeds.
- If you’re avoiding gluten, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
- For a dairy-free option, use almond milk, coconut milk, or any other plant-based milk.
- To make it vegan, substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken).
What I Learned Testing
The beauty of baked oatmeal lies in its versatility. During testing, I discovered that using different fruits can yield delightful variations. Apples, peaches, and even pumpkin puree can be substituted for bananas and blueberries depending on the season. Additionally, the texture is incredibly forgiving; if you prefer a creamier bite, simply add a bit more milk before baking. Most importantly, this dish is a great way to use up ripe fruit that might otherwise go to waste, making it a sustainable choice for breakfast.
How to Store & Reheat
To store your baked oatmeal, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days. For reheating, simply microwave individual portions for about 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold, straight from the fridge, with a dollop of yogurt or a splash of milk.
Reader Questions
Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work wonderfully in this baked oatmeal. Just toss them in frozen; there’s no need to thaw them first. They may make the mixture slightly wetter, but the baking time remains the same.
How can I make this recipe more filling?
To make your baked oatmeal more filling, consider adding a scoop of protein powder or an additional egg to increase the protein content. You could also serve it with a side of Greek yogurt for extra protein and creaminess.
Is it possible to make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, just pour it into the baking dish and bake as directed. This makes for an easy grab-and-go breakfast!
Can I add other fruits or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding fruits like apples, strawberries, or even peaches. You can also experiment with spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
Bring It to the Table
This Baked Oatmeal with Blueberries and Bananas is sure to become a beloved staple in your breakfast rotation. Wholesome, easy to prepare, and endlessly customizable, it’s a dish that celebrates the flavors of fresh fruit and the heartiness of oats. Whether you’re serving it to family on a cozy Sunday morning or packing it up for a busy week ahead, this recipe is not just food; it’s a warm hug in a bowl.
So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy the delightful aroma of baked oatmeal filling your home. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Baked Oatmeal with Blueberries and Bananas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Add the sliced bananas and blueberries to the wet mixture, gently folding them in.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Grease your 9x9-inch baking dish and pour the oatmeal mixture into it. Spread it out evenly.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes. Cut into squares and serve warm.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite fruits or nuts.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds for a quick breakfast.
