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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with coconut oil or butter.
2. Prepare the Oatmeal Mixture
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, maple syrup (if using), ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, and stir until well combined.
3. Add the Oats and Apples
Stir in the rolled oats and chopped apples until everything is evenly mixed. If you’re adding nuts, now is the time to fold them in as well.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Bake
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal has set. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean when the oatmeal is ready.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the Banana Apple Oatmeal Bake cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares. Serve warm, and if desired, drizzle with extra maple syrup or sprinkle with additional cinnamon for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Banana Apple Oatmeal Bake
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the oatmeal bake will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe!
- Add a Crunch: For extra texture, top the bake with chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans before baking. You can also sprinkle some granola on top in the last few minutes of baking for added crunch.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Swap out the milk for a dairy-free alternative like almond, oat, or coconut milk. You can also use flax eggs in place of regular eggs if you need a vegan version.
- Store Leftovers: This oatmeal bake stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to a month—just reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
Why This Recipe Works
This Banana Apple Oatmeal Bake works because it combines the comfort of a traditional oatmeal breakfast with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and apples. The eggs help bind everything together, giving the bake a slightly custardy texture, while the oats provide hearty, long-lasting energy.
The real beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to swap in other fruits like pears, berries, or even peaches if you prefer. You can also add spices like ginger or cloves for a more seasonal flavor.
Final Thoughts
Looking for a breakfast that’s both wholesome and satisfying? This Banana Apple Oatmeal Bake is the perfect choice. It’s packed with fiber and vitamins, and it’s the kind of breakfast that can fuel you through even the busiest of mornings. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and makes enough to serve a crowd—or to enjoy throughout the week.
Give it a try, and watch this simple yet delicious dish become a regular part of your breakfast rotation!
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