Banana Bread Oatmeal
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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.
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 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!
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
- Peanut Butter Banana Chia Oatmeal
- Healthy Salted Caramel Oatmeal
- Blueberry Oatmeal
- Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal
- Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal
- Protein Oatmeal
- Baked Oatmeal Cups 4-Ways
- Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
- Maple Pecan Baked Oatmeal
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal
- Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal
- Cauliflower Oatmeal
Be sure to check out all of the oatmeal recipes here on EBF!
Banana Bread Oatmeal
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
Instructions
- Add oats, cinnamon, vanilla, sea salt and half of the banana slices to a medium pot. Add water and stir to combine.
- Heat over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir the oats several times while cooking to make sure the banana slices melt into the oats and the oats don't stick to the pot. You’ll know the oatmeal is done when all the liquid is absorbed and the oats are thick and fluffy.
- 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. Remove from heat.
- Place cooked oats into a bowl and top with caramelized bananas and walnuts. For sweeter oats, drizzle with extra maple syrup.
Video
Notes
- Want to add protein? I like to amp up the protein content by adding ½ to 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder to the oats while cooking.
- Want to reduce the sugar content? For less sugar, leave out the maple syrup or use a natural calorie-free option like stevia.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Sounds delicious. Can I use olive oil instead of coconut oil?
Hi Kelly! Olive oil or avocado oil should work fine if you don’t like or use coconut oil.
Yum! I love the idea to top it with carmalized bananas!
This looks delicious! ?
Made these for breakfast this week and they were SO yummy! Me and my husband died and went to heaven ? I subbed unsweetened cashew milk for water for a more creamy taste (it was amazing!). I also made a double batch and prepackaged the oats for the week in small storage containers (mason jars work too). Try this, you won’t regret it! Thank you Brittany for sharing such a yummy and simple recipe!! Bonus tip: this is best to eat right after you make it, not bad the next day but loses a little bit of that fresh flavor.
I LOVE oatmeal and bananas so this looks like a perfectly delicious breakfast for me! The vanilla is a great addition.
This is fantastic! It really does taste like banana bread. I had to share with my 85 year old mother who will be making it next week. I used banana almond milk instead of water and added a little cardamom to it. Wish I could give it more stars!
Awww yay!! So happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, Colleen! I hope your mother enjoys it as well. 🙂 I’m sure the banana almond milk and cardamom was a nice addition. Thank you so much for coming back to leave a comment and star rating. I so appreciate it! The ratings are super helpful to other readers. <3
Love the banana bread oats, I can’t wait to try more recipies xxx
Woo-hoo! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed this oatmeal recipe. Thank you so much for coming back to leave a comment and star rating. I really appreciate it, Abbie! <3
Super yummy! Added honey on top for some extra sweetness, soooo good
Yay!! So glad you tried and enjoyed this recipe, Kamryn! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and star rating. I so appreciate it!
You literally read my mind when this recipe popped up on my feed today. We’ve been doing smoothies daily with the hubs, but it was just so cold outside, and this hit the spot perfectly. Loved how no nut mylk was needed, and the scoop of protein powder was really disguised. Thanks for another amazing recipe!!!
YAY!! That makes me so happy to hear. 🙂 I’m so glad you guys enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I really appreciate it!
Hi, this recipe looks delicious! I’m all out of maple syrup though, do you think agave syrup or honey would work too?
Yes, definitely!!
So yummy!! I accidentally made this with steel cut oats instead of rolled oats, but I just cooked the oats about 25 min longer with more liquid and it turned out fine. I just recently found your page and LOVE your recipes, as I am trying to eat healthier. Thank you Brittany!
Oh yay!! I’m so glad this recipe turned out for you with the steel cut oats. Thanks for sharing! 🙂 Thanks for trying my recipe and for coming back to leave a comment and star rating. It’s super helpful to other readers!
5/5 was soooo good! I’m trying to eat healthier and not only is this recipe healthy, it tastes amazing too! Thanks Brittany!
Ahh that makes me so happy to hear, Haley! I’m so glad you enjoyed this oatmeal recipe. Thanks for taking the time to come back to leave a comment + star rating. The reviews are super helpful to other readers, so I appreciate it. <3
OMG I made this in the morning today and I can’t wait to make it again tomorrow! It is so gooood. Almost taste like a dessert. I gave some to my brothers and they liked it too!
Ahh yay!! So glad this oatmeal was a hit, Lucy. 🙂 Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a comment. I so appreciate it!
Yummm 🤤 this recipe is so delicious and almost tastes like dessert… only it’s healthy! Made ours with half almond milk and didn’t feel like we needed to add any extra maple syrup. Definitely going to be a staple in our household!
Ahh yay!! That makes me so happy to hear, Kristen. I’m so glad this oatmeal recipe is a hit. Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it. 🙂
SUPER GOOD!!!!! 10/10
OMG so very good, I tried to make some overnight oats with cinnamon and I disliked them very much but this recipe is AMAZING!!
Ahh yay!! That makes me so happy to hear. I’m so glad you enjoyed this bowl of oats. 🙂 Thanks for trying my recipe and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it!
I thought I saw the containers it would be for the 21 day fix diet but I don’t see them anymore. Do you know??
Made this today and it came out delicious! Thank you!
Yay!! I’m so glad it turned out for you, Joni. Thanks for making my recipe and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I appreciate it!
I make this recipe at least three times a week for breakfast!! I LOVE it 🙂
Woo-hoo! So glad you’ve been loving this oatmeal recipe, Bella!
This is so much better than I thought it’d be since it’s such a simple recipe! So yummy, thank you!
Ahh yay!! So pumped you loved this recipe, Tate. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it. 🙂
I never thought to Caramelize bananas and they tasted amazing. Love this recipe. So simple and tasty!
So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Casey! Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it. <3
This was so good! Made it for my 2 year old and he ate it all up.
Woo!! So glad this oatmeal was a hit with your kiddo. Thanks for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
Wow! It’s so simple, so delicious and so fancy! Those caramelized bananas are scrumptious, and love the way the bananas in the oatmeal fall apart and make it all so creamy. Yet another Eating Bird Food favorite!! I enjoyed it so much I’m making it again tomorrow.
So glad you loved this recipe, Danielle!! As always, thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
I just made eating bird food’s banana bread oatmeal with caramelized bananas. This was absolutely delicious and so easy to make. I make many of her recipes and they are my go to’s! (Big fan of her avocado truffles) This will now be my go to breakfast!
Ahh this makes me so happy to hear!! So glad you loved this oatmeal, Jill. Thanks for coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it. 🙂
This oatmeal is so delicious! The caramelized bananas give it just the right touch.
Ahh yay!! So glad you loved this oatmeal. Thanks for the review, Brittnee. I so appreciate it!
My picky 19 month old devoured an entire bowl. So good!!!!
Woo I’m so glad it was a hit!! Thanks for the review. I so appreciate it!
I cheated and used whole milk for my kids. It was so good and smelled delicious. I did not have walnuts so used pecans instead. Even my son who doesn’t like oatmeal finished his bowl. Will definitely make this again. Thank you for posting such a great but easy to make recipe.
Ah yay! Happy to hear this banana bread oatmeal was a hit, Devi. Thanks so much for trying it out and coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!
LOVE this stove top oatmeal recipe! It’s my go to when I want some hot oatmeal!
Yay!! Happy to hear, Shelley. Thanks so much for the review!
I love banana bread, and this oatmeal tasted just like it!! I added vanilla protein powder, and extra cinnamon. There was no need for extra maple syrup, the caramelized bananas and walnuts made it just sweet enough!
Yay!! So thrilled this banana bread oatmeal was a hit, Amy. Thanks for the review!
I made the recipe as directed but doubled. I really like the level of sweeness and the nutty flavor from the walnuts. Perfect winter treat morning noon or night.
Forgot the stars with my comments! This was so good.
Thanks, Allison! So glad you enjoyed it!
In LOVE with this recipe. This is my next staple oat recipe. The caramelized bananas are👌🏼
Yay!! So happy to hear this, Rali. Thanks for trying it out and I really appreciate the review!
Quick and easy to make, basic ingredient list. Delicious!
So glad you loved this recipe, Samantha! Thanks for the review. I appreciate it!
Another 5 star oatmeal recipe. Sooo delicious!!
So glad you loved this one, Wendy! Thanks for the review, I appreciate it. 🙂
Such an easy and delicious recipe. It made my house smell awesome.
Yay!! Happy to hear this oatmeal was a hit, Shawna. Thanks for the review!
Made this today! So so Lovely! Not a fan of walnuts but I always like to try recipes “as is” the 1st time and I love it! Thanks so much Brittany!
Ah yay! Happy to hear you enjoyed this oatmeal, Lavinia. Thanks for trying it out and coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!
So delicious!!! Easy to make, and we used pecans in place of walnuts. I served this to my daughter and enhanced her love for oatmeal! Thanks so much!
Yay! I’m so glad this recipe is a hit for you and your daughter, Monica! Thanks for coming back to leave a review after you made it, it means the world to me.
This was very good. I wanted something different for breakfast today and this was it. I had this with a 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk gradually poured over it as I was eating. Dee-licious. Thanks
Oh yum, that sounds delicious with the almond milk! Thanks for making this and coming back to leave a review, Mattie. I really appreciate it.
Simple to make and delicious!I had it with blueberries and coconut flakes.
Yum, this sounds delicious, I love those additions! Thank you for your review + star rating, Frederique, I so appreciate you being here.
Can you make and then freeze the banana bread oatmeal?
Hi Sue – I have personally never frozen stovetop oatmeal, but I have heard that you can. I would recommend making the oatmeal and letting it cool completely before freezing. If you give it a try, let me know how it works for you! Enjoy!
This is such a treat oatmeal. It does taste just like banana bread!
YES! I am so pumped that you are loving this recipe, Tammi. Thank you so much for sharing your review + star rating, it means so much to me.
Another great recipe! Didn’t have walnuts so I used a granola mix instead and still came out good.
Yay, sounds delicious, Milly! Glad to hear that you are loving this recipe. Thank you so much for your review & star rating, it means so much to me!
Could you make this with quick cook oats, and if so, how?
Hi Jenn – Yes, that should work, it’ll just cook faster. Use the same amount of oats, but watch it closely. As soon as the liquid absorbs it should be ready! Enjoy!
SO GOOD! Brittany is my go to for any morning oats recipe and you really cannot go wrong. This banana bread oatmeal is one of my favorites. It’s so tasty! Steps up boring oatmeal and quickly comes together
Ahh this makes me so happy to hear, Jen! I am so glad you’re loving this oatmeal and it turned out great for you. Thanks for coming back and sharing your review & star rating, it means a lot much to me!