Oatmeal Banana Breakfast Bake

Instructions: How to Make Oatmeal Banana Breakfast Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking dish or use cooking spray to make clean-up easy. If you’d like to prevent sticking, you can line the dish with parchment paper as well.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Take your ripe bananas and mash them in a large bowl. Ripe bananas are naturally sweet, so they’ll help sweeten the bake without the need for added sugar. Mash until smooth, leaving just a few small chunks for texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In the same bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and honey or maple syrup. These ingredients create a creamy base that will bind the oats together and provide a soft, cake-like texture.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the wet ingredients. Stir everything together until well combined. The oats will absorb the liquid and become soft and tender during baking.

Step 5: Add Optional Add-ins

At this point, you can get creative and add any optional ingredients to enhance the flavor or texture of your breakfast bake. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, while chocolate chips are perfect for those mornings when you crave a little extra sweetness. You could also add dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries, for an added boost of flavor.

Step 6: Pour into Baking Dish

Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the banana oatmeal breakfast bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bake should be set and firm to the touch.

Step 8: Let It Cool and Serve

Once it’s done baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This will allow it to firm up a bit and make it easier to cut into squares. Slice it up into serving portions and enjoy!

How to Serve

This oatmeal banana breakfast bake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of toppings for an extra burst of flavor. Here are some great options:

• A dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein.
• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
• A sprinkle of ground flaxseed or chia seeds for added nutrition.
• Fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices on top.

It’s a perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings, and it can be enjoyed both warm or cold.

Health Benefits of Oatmeal Banana Breakfast Bake

This breakfast bake is not only tasty but also packed with nutritional benefits:

• Fiber: The rolled oats in this bake are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which supports digestive health and helps keep you feeling fuller for longer.
• Potassium: The bananas provide a hefty dose of potassium, which is important for heart health and regulating blood pressure.
• Protein: The eggs add protein to the dish, which helps build and repair tissues and keeps you energized throughout the morning.
• Antioxidants: The cinnamon adds a touch of flavor and offers antioxidant properties, which help protect your body from oxidative stress.
• Healthy Fats: Adding nuts or seeds to the bake provides healthy fats, which support brain function and heart health.

Meal Prep Tips

One of the best things about this oatmeal banana breakfast bake is that it’s a perfect recipe for meal prepping. You can make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for several days. Here are some tips:

• Store leftovers: Keep leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Freeze for later: You can freeze individual portions for later use. Simply wrap each piece in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, just heat in the microwave or oven for a quick breakfast.
• Reheat: If you’re short on time in the mornings, simply warm up a slice in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, and you’ll have a nutritious breakfast in no time!

Conclusion

Oatmeal Banana Breakfast Bake is a wholesome and satisfying way to start your day. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a nutritious, energy-boosting breakfast that will keep you full and focused all morning long. Whether you make it ahead for a busy week or bake it fresh for the family, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Packed with fiber, potassium, and protein, this recipe provides a balanced breakfast that supports overall health while satisfying your taste buds. Try it today and enjoy the deliciously comforting goodness of this easy, healthy breakfast bake!