Banana Oatmeal Cups are sweet little treats packed with goodness! Made with ripe bananas, oats, and a hint of cinnamon, they’re perfect for breakfast or a snack.
I love how easy they are to whip up! Just mix the ingredients and pop them in the oven. They smell amazing while baking, and they’re great for busy mornings or on-the-go munching!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential for sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can place them in a paper bag for a day or so to help them ripen faster. Frozen bananas work too; just thaw and mash them!
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture. Quick oats will work if that’s all you have, but avoid instant oats as they can get mushy. You can also use gluten-free oats if you’re avoiding gluten.
Cinnamon: This gives a wonderful warmth to the cups. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you could substitute with nutmeg or even a pinch of pumpkin spice for a different flavor.
Milk: Use any milk you like—dairy, almond, oat, or soy! If you’re avoiding dairy, coconut milk adds a lovely creaminess!
Sweetener: Honey and maple syrup are optional. If you’re looking for less sugar, don’t feel pressured to add them. You can also use agave nectar or even mashed dates for a natural sweetener.
How Do You Ensure the Oatmeal Cups Hold Together?
The key to making sure your Banana Oatmeal Cups are cohesive lies in the binding agents, mainly bananas and baking powder. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- Make sure your bananas are fully mashed—this helps them bind the oats together.
- Don’t skip the baking powder! It helps the cups rise and stay fluffy.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly so everything is well combined.
- Fill the muffin cups up to almost the top, but not overflowing, to ensure they bake evenly.
Once baked, let them cool a little in the muffin tin. They’ll firm up as they cool, making it easier to remove them without falling apart!
Banana Oatmeal Cups
Ingredients:
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Sliced banana, for topping
- Peanut butter or almond butter, for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to bake. Overall, you will need about 35-40 minutes until your delicious Banana Oatmeal Cups are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy cleanup.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a mixing bowl, take those ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they are smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cups will be!
3. Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
Add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to the mashed bananas. Give everything a good stir to combine the dry ingredients evenly with the bananas.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, pour in the milk and vanilla extract. If you like your cups a little sweeter, now is the time to add honey or maple syrup. Stir the mixture until everything is well blended together.
5. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Spoon the banana-oat mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups, making sure to fill each cup almost to the top. They don’t rise much, so it’s okay to fill them up!
6. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they are lightly golden on top and set in the middle.
7. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the oatmeal cups cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Add Toppings:
Before serving, feel free to top each oatmeal cup with sliced bananas. If you’d like, drizzle a little peanut butter or almond butter on top for extra flavor and creaminess.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Banana Oatmeal Cups are now ready! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature as a quick breakfast or a healthy snack throughout the day!
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe, as they add more sweetness and moisture. The darker, the better!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Definitely! Simply substitute the milk with any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk, and skip the honey or use maple syrup as an alternative sweetener.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Banana Oatmeal Cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy them cold!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins, like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful not to overload the mixture so the cups hold their shape!