Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal
Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Favorites
I can't tell you how excited I am to share my Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal recipe with you! This dish has quickly become a staple in my breakfast rotation, combining the sweetness of ripe bananas and fresh strawberries with the heartiness of oats. Not only does it come together easily, but it also fills my home with an irresistible aroma. Perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends, this baked oatmeal is a nutritious way to start the day, and a delightful treat I know you’ll love as much as I do!
When I first decided to make baked oatmeal, I wanted something that would not only be satisfying but also comforting. After several trials, I hit the jackpot with strawberries and bananas, which balance each other perfectly. The natural sweetness from the ripened fruit adds to the depth of flavor without needing too much added sugar.
I particularly love that you can customize this dish! Whether you want to top it with yogurt or a drizzle of honey, the options are endless. It’s a perfect recipe for meal prepping—I bake a batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously sweet and wholesome ingredients, perfect for any time of day
- Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup, making mornings less hectic
- Can be customized with your favorite fruits or nuts for variety
Perfect Oat Consistency
Achieving the perfect texture in your baked oatmeal is all about the right balance of moisture and ingredients. Rolled oats are ideal for this recipe as they absorb the almond milk while baking, giving you that hearty yet tender bite. If you prefer a creamier oatmeal, you can slightly increase the almond milk by a quarter cup. Just be cautious not to make it too wet, or you’ll lose the desired baked texture.
Incorporating mashed bananas not only adds natural sweetness but also helps bind the mixture together. Make sure to use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and sweetness. If you’re short on bananas, applesauce can serve as a suitable alternative at a 1:1 ratio, though it will alter the flavor subtly.
Flavor Variations
Customization is one of the best features of this baked oatmeal. While strawberries and bananas create a delightful flavor combination, consider using seasonal fruit to keep things interesting. Blueberries, peaches, or even apples with a sprinkle of nutmeg can add a wonderful twist. For an extra crunch, fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the mixture before baking.
If you want to reduce sugars, you can adjust the honey or maple syrup to your liking, or replace it entirely with a sugar-free sweetener. Just keep in mind that the sweetness will vary based on the fruits you choose, so test a bite before committing to the overall sweetness.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal:
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
- 2 cups almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: chopped nuts for topping
Make sure to mix well to ensure an even distribution of flavors!
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your delicious Strawberry Banana Oatmeal:
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, mashed bananas, chopped strawberries, almond milk, honey, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
Cool and Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, topped with yogurt or additional fruit if desired.
Enjoy your healthy and tasty breakfast!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to substitute other fruits such as blueberries or peaches based on your preference and seasonality.
Storage and Reheating
This baked oatmeal keeps well in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it a perfect make-ahead option for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely before slicing and storing in an airtight container. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for about 30-60 seconds until warm. If you prefer it with a fresh texture, you can pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
For longer storage, consider freezing the baked oatmeal. Cut it into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a quick breakfast any day by thawing overnight in the refrigerator or reheating directly from the freezer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal warm, topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of almond milk for added creaminess. Fresh fruits are also a great addition; consider some sliced bananas or strawberries on top for a pop of color and flavor.
For an extra treat, drizzle with a bit of honey or maple syrup just before serving. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg will not only boost its warmth but also elevate the overall aroma and presentation of your breakfast.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this oatmeal ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for a quick breakfast.
→ What can I substitute for almonds milk?
Any type of milk will work; feel free to use cow's milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
→ Can I freeze baked oatmeal?
Yes! After baking, let it cool completely and then slice into portions. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
→ Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal
I can't tell you how excited I am to share my Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal recipe with you! This dish has quickly become a staple in my breakfast rotation, combining the sweetness of ripe bananas and fresh strawberries with the heartiness of oats. Not only does it come together easily, but it also fills my home with an irresistible aroma. Perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends, this baked oatmeal is a nutritious way to start the day, and a delightful treat I know you’ll love as much as I do!
Created by: Isobel Fairfax
Recipe Type: Favorite Baking Favorites
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
- 2 cups almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: chopped nuts for topping
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, mashed bananas, chopped strawberries, almond milk, honey, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, topped with yogurt or additional fruit if desired.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to substitute other fruits such as blueberries or peaches based on your preference and seasonality.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 5g