Banana oatmeal cups are a tasty and healthy snack! Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and a hint of cinnamon, they’re perfect for breakfast or a quick treat.
These little cups are so easy to whip up. I love making a batch ahead of time for busy mornings—just grab and go! Plus, they feel like a warm hug in each bite. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can speed up the ripening by placing them in a paper bag or stashing them in a warm place.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide a great texture. You can swap them with quick oats in a pinch, just be aware they may create a softer cup.
Milk: You can use any milk you prefer—dairy, almond, oat, or soy milk all work well. For a dairy-free option, choose a nut milk for a creamier texture.
Egg: If you need a vegan option, replace the egg with 1/4 cup applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbsp water, let it sit until thick).
Extras: Feel free to add dried fruits or seeds for variety. I personally love adding walnuts for crunch!
How Do You Ensure Your Oatmeal Cups Come Out Perfectly Set?
Getting the right texture in these oatmeal cups relies on two main factors: mixing the ingredients and baking time. Be sure to mix just until combined to avoid a tough texture.
- Preheat your oven well before starting. It ensures even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the cups while they bake; start checking them at around 20 minutes. They should be firm to the touch.
Letting them cool in the pan briefly helps them set up and makes for easier removal. Enjoy delicious and healthy banana oatmeal cups!
Banana Oatmeal Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
- Banana slices for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll have these yummy banana oatmeal cups ready in no time, about 35 minutes total, plus a little cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners to make it easier to remove the cups later.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they’re nice and smooth. It’s okay if a few small chunks remain for texture!
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until fully combined. This will create a deliciously sweet base for your oatmeal cups!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This is where the flavor and structure start to come together.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! If you like, you can fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips at this stage for extra flavor.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Spoon the oatmeal mixture evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow for rising.
7. Add a Touch of Banana:
If you want, place a slice of banana on top of each cup for a pretty garnish. This will make them look even more inviting!
8. Bake the Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—when a toothpick inserted comes out clean, they’re ready!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the oatmeal cups cool in the pan for a few minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up nicely!
10. Enjoy!
Serve the oatmeal cups warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These little treats are perfect for breakfast on the go or a wholesome snack!
Enjoy these wholesome, naturally sweet banana oatmeal cups as a nutritious breakfast or snack!
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they are sweeter and easier to mash. Just make sure they don’t have any mold or an off smell!
What if I Don’t Have Eggs?
No problem! You can substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal combined with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until thickened). Both options will work great in binding the ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover banana oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them tightly. Thaw them overnight in the fridge whenever you want to enjoy them.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients like dried fruits (raisins, cranberries), coconut flakes, or different nuts. Just keep an eye on the overall moisture, adjusting as needed with a little extra milk if you add dry ingredients.
