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Ultimate Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal: Your New Favorite Cozy & Healthy Breakfast

Forget your everyday porridge – Peanut Butter and Banana Baked Oatmeal is about to revolutionize your breakfast routine, becoming your go-to comfort food. This delectable dish combines wholesome oats, ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter (or your preferred nut butter), and any kind of milk, all topped with extra banana slices and baked to a dreamy, luscious perfection. Just before it finishes baking, a generous swirl of melted peanut butter is added on top, creating a visually stunning and incredibly delicious breakfast. Whether served warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of cream for a special brunch, or quickly reheated for a filling and satisfying start to a busy weekday, this baked oatmeal is a true delight. (Jump to Recipe.)

Calling All Peanut Butter & Banana Enthusiasts!

If the thought of a ripe banana paired with a spoonful of rich peanut butter makes your taste buds sing, then you’re in for an extraordinary treat. This iconic duo creates a magical synergy of sweet and nutty flavors that is simply irresistible. When combined with the creamy texture of baked oats, it transforms into a warm, comforting bowl that feels like a hug from the inside out. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience.

Why Baked Oatmeal is Your Next Breakfast Obsession

I adore baked oatmeal, and once you try this recipe, you will too. It offers a wonderful alternative to traditional stovetop porridge, boasting a slightly firmer, more substantial texture while retaining a delightful creaminess. Unlike a runny bowl of oats, baked oatmeal holds its shape, making it incredibly satisfying. It’s also wonderfully versatile; you can top it with anything you’d usually enjoy on your morning cereal – a sprinkle of brown sugar, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, a splash of milk or cream, a spoonful of your favorite jam, or a scattering of nuts and fresh fruit. Or, enjoy it plain, letting the natural sweetness of banana and richness of peanut butter shine through. It’s a guaranteed way to fill your tummy with warm goodness and start your day with a smile.

While a basic pan of baked oatmeal is always a good idea, this special peanut butter and banana version elevates it to new heights. All you need are a few ripe bananas (perhaps those slightly overripe ones on your counter) and a jar of peanut butter. These simple ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular.

The Power of Oats: A Nutritional Boost to Your Day

Oats are packed with incredible goodness. Far from just being a humble grain, they are a highly nutritious and remarkably filling source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, offering more protein and healthy fats than most other grains. Their impressive nutrient profile includes essential vitamins and minerals, along with a significant amount of antioxidants, which play a crucial role in overall health.

One of the standout components in oats is their high level of the soluble fiber beta-glucan. This powerful fiber is known for its ability to help lower cholesterol levels, contributing to heart health, and aiding in blood sugar control, which is beneficial for sustained energy throughout the day. Beyond these profound health benefits, oats are incredibly filling. Including them in your breakfast can significantly reduce hunger and prevent unnecessary snacking later in the day, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

On top of all these fantastic attributes, they simply taste so wonderfully wholesome and delicious, especially when baked into a warm, inviting dish like this one.

Look at that lusciousness!

Crafting Your Perfect Pan of Peanut Butter & Banana Baked Oatmeal

The process of making this delightful baked oatmeal is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these simple steps to create a breakfast that will impress both your family and your taste buds.

Step 1: The Flavor Foundation
First, you’ll start by mashing two ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your oatmeal will be. Combine these mashed bananas with half of your peanut butter in a mixing bowl. This foundational blend creates a rich and creamy base for the entire dish.

Step 2: Enriching the Mixture
Next, beat in one large egg. The egg acts as a binder, helping the oatmeal set and achieve its wonderful structure. Incorporate a bit of melted butter (or oil for a dairy-free option), coconut sugar (or brown sugar for a richer flavor), baking powder to give it a slight lift, a generous dash of cinnamon for warmth, and a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Whisk these ingredients until well combined, ensuring everything is thoroughly integrated.

Step 3: Bringing in the Oats
Stir in your chosen milk (dairy or non-dairy both work beautifully) and the large-flake, old-fashioned rolled oats. At this stage, the batter will appear quite liquidy, but don’t worry – the oats will absorb the moisture during baking, creating that perfectly creamy consistency. Ensure the oats are evenly coated.

Step 4: Assembling for Baking
Pour the liquid oat mixture into your prepared baking pan. Then, slice the remaining two bananas and gently arrange the slices over the top of the batter. Lay them carefully so they rest on the surface and don’t sink too deep into the mixture. These slices will caramelize slightly as they bake, adding another layer of sweetness and visual appeal.

Step 5: The Peanut Butter Swirl Finale
Bake the oatmeal for approximately 25 minutes. At this point, it will be mostly set but still soft. Open the oven door, carefully slide out the rack, and spoon dollops of the reserved peanut butter over the top. The warmth of the oatmeal will begin to melt the peanut butter, preparing it for the final flourish.

Return the pan to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the peanut butter is fully melted and the oatmeal is softly set in the center. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Using the tip of a butter knife or a skewer, gently swirl the melted peanut butter dollops across the surface. This creates beautiful, artistic patterns and allows the peanut butter to mingle with the bananas and oats, making for a truly inviting presentation. Leave some banana slices peeking out between the swirls for visual appeal.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Now, your warm, inviting Peanut Butter & Banana Baked Oatmeal is ready to be devoured! The aroma alone is enough to get your mouth watering. This dish is truly a feast for the senses.

It’s extra special when served with a generous drizzle of golden maple syrup and a splash of rich cream, transforming it into a luxurious breakfast or brunch item. However, a simple splash of milk works just as well for a lighter touch. The key is to enjoy it warm, letting all the comforting flavors melt together.

Start your day with this warm hug in a bowl, and you’ll find yourself looking forward to breakfast like never before.

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Customization & Dietary Notes

Kitchen Frau Notes: One of the beautiful aspects of this banana baked oatmeal is its adaptability. Feel free to substitute the peanut butter with any other nut or seed butter you prefer. Almond butter, cashew butter, hazelnut butter, or even sunflower seed butter (for a nut-free option) all work wonderfully, offering slightly different flavor profiles. Similarly, your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk, can be used instead of dairy milk to make this recipe dairy-free without compromising on creaminess or taste.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Oatmeal:

Ripe Bananas are Key: The riper your bananas are (think brown spots!), the sweeter and more pronounced their flavor will be, reducing the need for additional sugar.
Old-Fashioned Oats Only: For the best texture, always use large-flake, old-fashioned rolled oats. Instant or quick oats will absorb liquid too quickly and can result in a mushy texture. If you need a gluten-free option, ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free.
Make Ahead Option: This baked oatmeal is fantastic for meal prepping! You can assemble the entire dish (without the final peanut butter swirl) the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it in the oven. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Storage & Reheating: Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat individual portions, use a microwave until warm. For larger portions, cover the dish with foil and reheat in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until heated through, preventing the top from drying out.
Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon to your liking, or even add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a different aromatic twist.
Sweetener Adjustments: While coconut sugar adds a lovely caramel note, you can easily use brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey in the batter. Adjust the amount to your sweetness preference.
Add-Ins Galore: Want to make it even more exciting? Stir in a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), dried fruit (raisins or cranberries), or even some shredded coconut into the batter before baking.

Peanut Butter & Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe

This recipe yields a generous 6 servings of hearty and delicious baked oatmeal. Prepare to fall in love with your breakfast all over again!

4 medium-sized ripe bananas, divided
½ cup (120ml) creamy peanut butter, divided
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter or a neutral oil (like canola or coconut oil)
2 tablespoons coconut sugar or packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups (480ml) milk (any kind, dairy or non-dairy)
2 cups large-flake, old-fashioned rolled oats (ensure gluten-free if necessary)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch (23x23cm) baking pan or a 2-quart (2-liter) baking dish. Greasing the dish will prevent sticking and make serving easier.
In a large mixing bowl, mash two of the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until mostly smooth. Add ¼ cup (60ml) of the peanut butter to the mashed bananas and mix well until combined.
Whisk the large egg into the banana and peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated.
Stir in the melted butter or oil, coconut sugar (or brown sugar), baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Pour in the milk and add the rolled oats. Stir gently until all the oats are moistened. The mixture will appear quite liquidy at this stage, which is normal.
Pour the prepared oat mixture into your greased baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Slice the remaining two bananas into rounds. Carefully arrange these banana slices on top of the liquid oat mixture, ensuring they are gently placed on the surface so they don’t sink too much.
Bake the oatmeal for 25 minutes. After this time, carefully open the oven door and slide the rack out slightly.
Take the remaining ¼ cup (60ml) of peanut butter and dollop it in small spoonfuls over the partially baked oatmeal. You can create a pattern or simply scatter the dollops.
Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the peanut butter is melted and the baked oatmeal is softly set in the center. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.
Remove the pan from the oven. While still warm, use the tip of a butter knife or a small spoon to gently swirl the melted peanut butter dollops across the surface. This creates an appealing marbled effect and ensures the peanut butter flavor is distributed throughout the top layer.
Serve warm, either by scooping out portions directly from the pan or by cutting it into neat squares. Enhance the experience with a drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or your favorite jam, and a splash of milk or a decadent pour of full cream.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or larger portions covered with foil in a low oven.

Serves 6.

Guten Appetit!

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