Banana Bread Oatmeal | Kara Lydon

Ready in just 10 minutes, this cozy and comforting banana bread oatmeal is made with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, caramelized bananas and walnuts. This easy breakfast is extra delicious with chocolate chips melted in!What better way than to combine my two of my favorite breakfast foods: oatmeal and banana bread!

Oatmeal is one of my go-to breakfasts during the chillier months when I’m craving something warm and comforting in the morning. 

And banana bread is such a nostalgic comfort food for me. There’s nothing better than the smell of banana bread baking in the oven.

So I figured why not combine the flavor of banana bread with a bowl of hearty oats!

With only 1 minute of prep and 9 minutes cook time, this oatmeal is ready in just 10 minutes!

You can make this fresh for a lazy weekend morning, or batch prep and store in the fridge or freezer for an easy-to-reheat breakfast on your way to work or to drop off the kids! 

Ingredients You’ll Need 

Notes on Ingredients

old-fashioned rolled oats: you can use old-fashioned oats, quick steel cut oats, or steel cut oats. Whichever oats strike your fancy! I like using quick steel cut or old-fashioned. 

almond milk: Almond milk is my go-to for cooking and baking because of it’s mild, neutral taste but feel free substitute with cow’s milk or your favorite non-dairy milk alternative.

cinnamon: the perfect cozy spice for banana bread

vanilla: to help give it that banana bread flavor

brown sugar: to help caramelize the bananas. You can substitute for coconut sugar or maple syrup. 

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 source of fat walnuts add. Feel free to swap for a different type of nut or omit if you’d like.

butter: to sauté the banana slices for topping. Can substitute for coconut oil or ghee, if desired. 

Equipment You’ll Need (affiliate links – if you make a purchase I receive a small commission)

How to Make Banana Bread Oatmeal 

1. Add ingredients to saucepan. Add oats, almond milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, salt and half of the banana slices to a small saucepan and stir to combine.
2. Cook oats. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until liquid is absorbed and oats are thickened, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Caramelize the bananas and toast walnuts. While oatmeal is cooking, heat butter in a small nonstick pan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir with butter until combined. Add banana slices and walnuts, turning banana slices over once caramelized, about 2 minutes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove walnuts from heat once fragrant and slightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Build your oatmeal. Top cooked oatmeal with caramelized banana and toasted walnuts and/or chocolate chips or a drizzle of maple syrup for additional sweetness! 

Expert Tips

1. If using quick steel cut oats, use 1/4 cup oats and 3/4 cup almond milk. Heat ingredients over medium-high heat until liquid has absorbed and oatmeal is thickened, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Walnuts toast quickly – be sure to keep an eye that they don’t burn!
3. 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

Recipe FAQs

Is oatmeal and banana good together?

I love adding banana into oatmeal for a touch of natural sweetness and delicious flavor. Adding a banana to your oatmeal also adds a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber!

What if I want this recipe to have more protein?

While walnuts and oats contain some protein, you can absolutely make this a high protein dish by adding in protein powder while cooking or by adding greek yogurt or cottage cheese as a topping! 

What are the benefits of oatmeal?

Oats are a nutritious whole grain, providing a good source of the following nutrients: protein, selenium, fiber, iron, vitamin B1, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper. They contain soluble fiber, which has been shown to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. They also contain prebiotics, which are like food for probiotics (good gut bacteria), and may help support a healthy GI tract.

Storage and Preparation 

Banana Bread Oatmeal leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Recipes that Pair Well

Veggie Egg Bites

Pomegranate Smoothie

Cozy Lavender Almondmilk Latte

Air Fryer Eggs

For more oatmeal inspiration, check out my other recipes below!

If you like this recipe, please be sure to comment and give it a 5 star rating below. If you make it, share it on Instagram and tag me @karalydonrd and I’ll re-share it with my followers! If you want to save this recipe for later, be sure to pin it on Pinterest!

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