In today’s fast-paced world, finding a breakfast that’s both nourishing and comforting can be a challenge. Enter the Banana Apple Oatmeal Bake—a perfect solution for anyone looking to kickstart their day with wholesome ingredients that will keep them fueled and satisfied until lunch. This easy-to-make recipe combines the heartiness of oats with the natural sweetness of bananas and apples, providing a nutritious meal that tastes indulgent yet is full of vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats.
This oatmeal bake is a versatile dish that works for any occasion—whether you’re preparing a hearty breakfast for your family, meal prepping for a busy week ahead, or looking for a healthy treat to enjoy with your coffee. The combination of mashed bananas, diced apples, and crunchy nuts creates a satisfying texture, while the addition of cinnamon and vanilla provides a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for cool mornings.
One of the best parts of this recipe is its flexibility. You can customize it with different fruits, nuts, or spices, making it as simple or as adventurous as you like. The recipe is naturally sweetened by bananas and apples, so there’s no need for added sugar, making it a healthier alternative to many other breakfast options. Whether served warm from the oven or enjoyed as a cold snack throughout the day, this oatmeal bake is bound to become a favorite in your home.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
In Cups and Tablespoons:
- 1 cup oatmeal (plus an additional 1 cup)
- 150 ml warm milk (about 2/3 cup)
- 1 apple, diced
- 20 g butter (about 1 ½ tablespoons)
- 2 eggs
- 50 g nuts, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (for greasing)
- 2 bananas, mashed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of vanilla extract
In Grams:
- 100g oatmeal (plus an additional 100g)
- 150ml warm milk
- 1 apple (about 150g), diced
- 20g butter
- 2 eggs
- 50g chopped nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
- 15g avocado oil
- 2 bananas (about 200g), mashed
- 2g cinnamon
- A pinch of vanilla extract
Steps to Make the Banana Apple Oatmeal Bake
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a medium-sized baking dish (about 8×8 inches) with avocado oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Oats
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the 1 cup of oatmeal with 150ml warm milk. Allow the oats to soak for about 5-10 minutes so they absorb the liquid and soften up. This step helps create a creamy base for the bake.
3. Mash the Bananas
- While the oats are soaking, peel and mash the 2 bananas in a separate bowl. You can mash them with a fork or use a blender for a smoother consistency. The bananas will add natural sweetness and moisture to the oatmeal bake.
4. Prepare the Apple and Nuts
- Dice the apple into small cubes. Choose a sweet variety like Fuji or Gala for a natural sweetness, or opt for tart apples like Granny Smith for a more balanced flavor.
- Chop the nuts into small pieces. You can use any variety you like—walnuts, almonds, or pecans work great in this recipe. Nuts add a delightful crunch and healthy fats to the bake.
5. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, 2 eggs, and 1 tablespoon of butter (melted). Stir well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Add the cinnamon and a pinch of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
6. Combine Everything Together
- Add the soaked oats (with the warm milk), diced apple, and chopped nuts to the wet mixture. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
7. Bake
- Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the oats have set into a firm, cake-like texture.
8. Cool and Serve
- Allow the oatmeal bake to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. It can be enjoyed warm or cold, depending on your preference.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Why This Recipe is Timeless
The Banana Apple Oatmeal Bake is a timeless recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity, flavor, and nutrition. Oats have long been recognized as a healthy and filling food, known for their ability to regulate blood sugar, aid digestion, and provide long-lasting energy. By baking them with bananas, apples, and nuts, this recipe takes a classic breakfast ingredient and elevates it into a satisfying and indulgent meal.
What makes this oatmeal bake even more special is how adaptable it is. While the basic ingredients remain the same, you can personalize the recipe to suit your dietary needs and flavor preferences. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or looking to add extra protein, the recipe can be adjusted with simple swaps. For example, using plant-based milk and butter makes it vegan-friendly, while gluten-free oats make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
The combination of bananas and apples provides natural sweetness, so there’s no need to add any processed sugar to the recipe. These fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, ensuring your breakfast is as nutritious as it is delicious. The addition of eggs helps bind everything together, providing protein, while the nuts offer healthy fats, giving this dish a rich, satisfying texture that will keep you full for hours.
Moreover, this oatmeal bake brings people together, whether it’s a family breakfast or a quick meal on the go. Its ease of preparation and ability to be made in advance make it a perfect choice for busy mornings or as a meal prep option. You can enjoy it fresh out of the oven or store it in the fridge to have ready for several days.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 30mg
FAQs
1. Can I make this oatmeal bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Simply bake it the next morning or heat it up in the microwave.
2. What can I substitute for eggs?
If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, you can replace them with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or a chia egg.
3. Can I use a different kind of milk?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of milk—almond, oat, soy, or cow’s milk—all work great in this recipe.
4. How long will leftovers last?
Leftover oatmeal bake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
5. Can I freeze the oatmeal bake?
Yes! This oatmeal bake freezes well. Simply wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Tips for Making the Best Banana Apple Oatmeal Bake
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your oatmeal bake will be. Overripe bananas work especially well for this recipe.
- Add Extra Spices: If you love spice, add a little nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice for an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter oatmeal bake, drizzle some honey or maple syrup over the top before serving.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Simply use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Top with Fresh Fruit: For an added burst of freshness, top the oatmeal bake with sliced bananas, apples, or berries.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: The oatmeal bake can stay fresh at room temperature for 1-2 days, but it’s best to refrigerate if you’re planning to keep it for longer.
- Refrigeration: Store the oatmeal bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions of the oatmeal bake for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave or oven.
Conclusion
The Banana Apple Oatmeal Bake is more than just a breakfast option; it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that brings comfort to your mornings. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness from bananas and apples, it’s a recipe that nourishes both the body and the soul. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or cold as a meal prep option, this oatmeal bake is perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or anytime you crave a nutritious treat.
What makes this recipe truly timeless is its ability to bring together simple ingredients in a way that feels both indulgent and healthy. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that feels special enough for a holiday brunch but is easy enough to enjoy every day. Whether you’re preparing it for a family breakfast, meal prepping for the week, or making a batch to share with friends, the Banana Apple Oatmeal Bake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Its flexibility allows for endless variations, making it a recipe that can grow with your taste preferences. From adding extra spices to swapping in your favorite fruits or nuts, this dish will remain a staple in your kitchen for years to come. So why not give it a try? Let the warm aromas of cinnamon and vanilla fill your home, and enjoy a breakfast that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.