Banana Bread Oatmeal
81
Published Jan 10, 2022, Updated Jun 12, 2023
This post may include affiliate links. Thank you for your support.
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!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
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.
Forgot the stars with my comments! This was so good.
Thanks, Allison! So glad you enjoyed it!
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.
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!
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 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!
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!
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!
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. 🙂
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!
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!