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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Another 5 star oatmeal recipe. Sooo delicious!!
So glad you loved this one, Wendy! Thanks for the review, I appreciate it. 🙂
Quick and easy to make, basic ingredient list. Delicious!
So glad you loved this recipe, Samantha! Thanks for the review. I appreciate 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!