Dreaming of cozy mornings or crave-worthy snacks? This Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal is as comforting as a kitchen hug, blending ripe bananas, hearty oats, and melty chocolate in every bite. It bakes up warm and golden, the chocolate chips peeking through with every spoonful, and thanks to plenty of wholesome ingredients, it tastes decadent but fuels your day. Whether you need a make-ahead breakfast, a sweet treat for a brunch crowd, or a healthy snack that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this cheerful oat bake is ready to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal starts with a handful of familiar pantry staples. Each ingredient brings its own little spark—flavor, sweetness, chew, or creaminess—making every bite irresistible and satisfying.
- Ripe bananas: The sweeter and spottier, the better! Mashed bananas provide natural sweetness and keep the oatmeal moist.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These create a perfect, hearty texture—avoid instant oats, which can turn mushy.
- Mini chocolate chips: Mini chips distribute more evenly so you get bits of gooey chocolate in every forkful.
- Maple syrup or honey: Either one lends gentle sweetness and depth when paired with the bananas.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a cozy, aromatic flavor that ties everything together.
- Baking powder: Just a little helps the oatmeal bake up light and sliceable.
- Cinnamon: For warmth and a little zip in each bite.
- Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and wakes up all the other flavors.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): You pick your favorite—this adds creaminess and moisture.
- Large egg: Binds the mixture so the squares hold together beautifully (see notes for vegan tweaks).
- Melted butter or coconut oil: Adds richness and tenderness for a crave-worthy texture.
How to Make Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish—this keeps cleanup a breeze and helps the oatmeal lift out easily. As your oven warms and scents of anticipation fill the room, you’re already halfway to the breakfast of dreams!
Step 2: Mash Bananas and Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash up those ripe bananas until they’re completely smooth—no lumps! Add the rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give everything a good stir so all those flavors and textures start mingling.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter (or coconut oil). This ensures that your butter doesn’t seize up when it hits cold milk and helps your oatmeal bake set beautifully once combined.
Step 4: Combine and Pour
Pour your wet ingredients into the dry banana-oat mixture. Stir everything together until completely blended—a creamy, speckled batter means you’re ready to go. Then, pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is gently golden and the center is set (a little softness means tender oatmeal, not under-baked mush). Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors can settle and slicing is a cinch.
How to Serve Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal
Garnishes
A drizzle of maple syrup, a few extra chocolate chips sprinkled over the top, or some fresh banana slices make this Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal look (and taste!) straight from a café. A handful of toasted nuts adds crunch for a special touch.
Side Dishes
This oatmeal is ultra-satisfying on its own, but pairing it with Greek yogurt, a tall glass of milk, or a platter of fresh berries takes your breakfast to brunch status. For a cozier touch, serve with a hot mug of coffee or chai.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bake into small squares for a grab-and-go snack, layering warm squares with yogurt parfait-style, or packing slices into lunchboxes. For a potluck or brunch, nestle each piece into muffin liners—adorable and mess-free!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal keeps beautifully in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Slice as needed and enjoy cold or quickly reheat—it honestly tastes even better the next day, after all those flavors cozy up together.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions by wrapping them tightly or storing in a freezer-safe container. When your next craving hits, just thaw overnight in the fridge or use your microwave’s defrost setting for a quick breakfast treat.
Reheating
To refresh that fresh-baked flavor, simply microwave a slice for 30 to 45 seconds, or warm it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Add a splash of milk before reheating if you like your oatmeal extra moist.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water), use plant-based milk, and opt for coconut oil instead of butter. Double-check your chocolate chips for dairy, and you’re set.
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats are best for structure, so instant oats will yield a mushier bake. If that’s all you have, reduce the baking time by a few minutes and expect a softer, more pudding-like texture.
How do I know when my oatmeal is fully baked?
You’ll see a gently golden top and the center will look set, not jiggly. If you gently press with a spoon and it springs back, it’s ready. Overbaking can make it dry, so keep an eye on the timer!
Can I add nuts or berries to this recipe?
Definitely—chopped walnuts, pecans, or even sliced almonds add crunch, while blueberries or raspberries bring extra bursts of fruitiness. Keep mix-ins to about 1/2 cup so the oatmeal bake stays sliceable.
Is Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal good for meal prep?
It’s amazing for meal prep because it holds up for days and reheats perfectly. Make a pan on Sunday, slice it up, and your breakfasts (or snacks!) are sorted all week long.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels special, fits busy schedules, and leaves everyone cheering for seconds, Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal truly delivers. I hope you try this cheerful bake soon and make it your own family favorite!
Print
Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delicious and nutritious breakfast with this Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal recipe. Perfect for a cozy morning treat, this dish combines the sweetness of ripe bananas and chocolate chips with wholesome oats, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Banana Mixture:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
Oatmeal Mixture:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix Banana Mixture: Mash bananas in a bowl and add oats, chocolate chips, maple syrup, vanilla, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: Whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter. Combine with dry ingredients.
- Bake: Pour mixture into dish and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This oatmeal can be made ahead and reheated.
- Experiment with nuts or blueberries for added variety.
- To make it vegan, use a flax egg and plant-based milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
