These Banana Oatmeal Cups are a tasty and healthy treat! Made with ripe bananas, oats, and a hint of cinnamon, they’re great for breakfast or a snack.
They are super easy to whip up, and you can even add your favorite nuts or chocolate chips. I love grabbing one on busy mornings. Who knew healthy could taste this good? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential for sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can bake unripe bananas at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they soften and darken.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture. If you only have quick oats, you can use those, but the cups may turn out a bit softer. Steel-cut oats won’t work well, so stick with rolled oats.
Milk: Any milk works here, including almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free option. You could even use yogurt for a creamier texture.
Sweetener: Honey and maple syrup are great, but if you want to cut down on sugar, you can leave them out or use a sugar substitute like stevia or agave syrup.
Add-ins: Raisins and dried cranberries can be replaced with any dried fruit or nuts. I enjoy using chopped walnuts for a lovely crunch!
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Oatmeal Cups?
The texture of these cups depends on the right balance of wet and dry ingredients. To achieve the best results:
- Ensure your bananas are really ripe. This adds sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter; just combine the ingredients until they’re evenly mixed.
- Fill the muffin cups about 3/4 full. This helps them rise without spilling over.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. It should come out clean.
Enjoy your Banana Oatmeal Cups warm or let them cool completely before storing them for later. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on the go!
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oatmeal Cups:
- 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
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Sliced banana, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of baking time, plus an additional 5 minutes to cool in the muffin tin. Overall, you’ll spend about 35-40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and simple way to enjoy a homemade snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Banana Oatmeal Cups cook evenly and rise nicely. You can also grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy removal later.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cups will be. This is a fun step, and the smell is delightful!
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and honey or maple syrup (if you’re using it) to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the rolled oats, baking powder, and ground cinnamon to the wet mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to fold these ingredients in gently until everything is thoroughly mixed. You want to make sure the oats are well coated.
5. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you decided to include raisins or dried cranberries, now’s the time to fold them into the mixture. They add a nice little surprise in every bite!
6. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the oatmeal mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This way, they can rise without overflowing!
7. Add Banana Slices:
Now, place a couple of banana slices on top of each oatmeal cup. It not only looks nice but also adds a bit more banana flavor!
8. Bake:
Put the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden on top and set in the middle.
9. Cool Down:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cups cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
These Banana Oatmeal Cups can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They make for a wholesome breakfast or a delightful snack anytime—grab them on the go or share them with friends!
Can I Substitute the Egg in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use a flaxseed egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, you can use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) or a mashed banana as a substitute for one egg.
How Do I Store Leftover Oatmeal Cups?
Store any leftover Banana Oatmeal Cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before consuming.
Can I Add Other Ingredients or Flavors?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a scoop of protein powder. Just be mindful of the moisture content if you add too many dry ingredients.
What Can I Serve with Banana Oatmeal Cups?
These cups are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of yogurt, a drizzle of nut butter, or some fresh fruit on the side for a more filling meal!
