Banana Bread Oatmeal

Name: Banana Bread Oatmeal
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats; 1 cup water; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon vanilla; Pinch of sea salt; 1 banana (sliced (divided)); 1 Tablespoon chopped walnuts; 2 teaspoons coconut oil; 2 teaspoons maple syrup (plus more for serving)

By Brittany Mullins

4.92

Published Jan 10, 2022, Updated Jun 12, 2023

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Gluten-free, vegan banana bread oatmeal that’s super simple to whip up and tastes like the real deal. Add some caramelized bananas and toasted walnuts on top for a gourmet breakfast!

I am a huge oatmeal fan and will eat oatmeal just about any way… baked, on the stovetop, as muffins, cold as overnight oats… you name it, if it has the world oatmeal in it, count me in! So, needless to say, I love coming up with new oatmeal recipes for you.

I’m obsessed with making banana bread. It’s such a simple breakfast, delicious snack or, let’s be real, a bomb dessert too. So when I was brainstorming new oatmeal recipes, “banana bread” popped in my head and I knew it was going to be a hit.

An overhead photo of a bowl of banana bread oatmeal, topped with banana slices and walnuts, and drizzled with maple syrup.

Why I Love Oatmeal

Oats are an amazing grain. They’re naturally gluten-free and provide a good amount of vitamins, minerals, fiber and even antioxidants. Oats have been shown to help lower cholesterol, help control blood sugar fluctuations, help improve skin concerns and even help with weight loss. They are basically a “super grain.” Plus, oats can be used in so many different ways – oatmeal (duh!), energy balls, muffins and other baked goods.

Ingredients measured out to make banana bread oatmeal: maple syrup, vanilla, water, oats, coconut oil, walnuts, banana, sea salt and cinnamon.

Ingredients in Banana Bread Oatmeal

rolled oats – old fashioned rolled oats are best for this recipe. Make sure you grab gluten-free oats if needed. I use Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free rolled oats. If you have steel cut oats, try my recipe for steel cut oatmeal.
water or dairy-free milk – I typically make my oatmeal with water as I find it is still creamy enough but if you want added flavor or creaminess, use dairy-free milk. My go-to is unsweetened almond milk. Try making your own almond milk!
cinnamon – the perfect spice pairing for banana bread.
vanilla – a flavor enhancer.
sea salt – brings all of the flavors together.
banana – you’ll cook half of the banana in the oatmeal and then caramelize the rest to use as a topping.
chopped walnuts – we’re toasting these with the banana slices for a topping. I love the texture, flavor and added healthy fats walnuts add. Feel free to swap for a different type of nut or omit if you’d like.
coconut oil – to sauté the banana slices for topping… so delicious!
maple syrup – you’ll sauté the banana in a little maple syrup and I recommend serving with an extra drizzle!

How to Make

Prepare oatmeal – Like most stovetop oatmeal recipes, this one is super simple to make! Start by combining the oats, cinnamon, vanilla, sea salt and half of the banana slices in a medium pot. Add water or non-dairy milk and stir to combine. Heat over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring a few times while cooking to make sure the banana slices melt into the oats and don’t burn. You’ll know the oatmeal is done when all the liquid is absorbed and the oats are thick and fluffy.

Caramelize bananas and toast walnuts – While oats are cooking, heat a skillet over medium and add coconut oil and maple syrup. Add remaining banana slices and walnuts to the skillet. Cook banana slices 2 minutes on each side or until they start to get a golden crust. Heat walnuts until just toasted then remove from heat.

Serve – Place cooked oats into a bowl and top with caramelized bananas and walnuts. For sweeter oats, drizzle with extra maple syrup.

pro tip!
When your oatmeal is cooking, don't forget to stir it a few times so the bananas don't burn or stick to the bottom!

A bowl of banana bread oatmeal, topped with banana slices. A carafe is drizzling maple syrup over top of the oatmeal.

Customize Your Banana Bread Oatmeal

Toppings – This oatmeal has a delicious base recipe that you can build your own flavors on. I chose to top it with caramelized bananas (yum) and toasted walnuts (double yum), but feel free to make this recipe your own! A drizzle of almond butter and some chia seeds would be a great addition!

Protein powder – You can easily make this oatmeal a high-protein meal by adding in a little Greek yogurt, cottage cheese or protein powder.

Overnight Oats – You could use these ingredients to make a delicious overnight oats recipe if that’s more your style.

Baked Oatmeal – Try making my banana bread baked oatmeal if it’s more your style!

More Oatmeal Recipes You’ll Love

Be sure to check out all of the oatmeal recipes here on EBF!

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4.92 from 37 votes