These banana oatmeal cups are a fun and easy way to enjoy breakfast on the go! Made with ripe bananas and hearty oats, they are naturally sweet and filling.
You can even add nuts or chocolate chips for a special treat. I love making a batch and freezing some for busy mornings. They’re yummy and make my day a little brighter! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can microwave unripe bananas for 30 seconds to soften them.
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats give the cups texture. If you want a gluten-free version, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. You could also use quick oats, but they may make a softer texture.
Milk: Any milk will work here! I love almond or oat milk for a plant-based option, but regular dairy milk is great too. You could even use yogurt for creaminess.
Add-ins: Feel free to experiment! Nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruit like raisins or cranberries add wonderful flavor. And who can say no to chocolate chips?
How Can I Ensure My Oatmeal Cups Are Perfectly Set?
The trick to getting these banana oatmeal cups just right is in baking them long enough. Here are my tips:
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
- If the tops get too brown before they’re set, cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring; this helps them firm up and makes them easier to remove!
Following these steps will help you enjoy delicious, perfectly textured banana oatmeal cups every time!
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cups
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional add-ins: 1/4 cup chopped nuts, 1/4 cup chocolate chips, or dried fruit
- Banana slices for topping
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking. Overall, the total time is about 35-40 minutes, plus some extra time for cooling. Perfect for a busy morning or a simple snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oatmeal cups bake evenly. While the oven warms up, you can prepare the other ingredients.
2. Mash the Bananas:
Take the ripe bananas and place them in a large bowl. Use a fork to mash them until they are nice and smooth. Ripe bananas are sweeter and easier to mash, which makes your cups taste even better!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
Add the rolled oats, milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until it’s all well mixed. This combination is what will make your oatmeal cups delightful!
4. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’re using any optional add-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips, now’s the time to fold them into the mixture. They’ll add extra flavor and texture to your cups.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin cups. Make sure not to overfill, as they will rise slightly while baking.
6. Garnish with Banana Slices:
Take a few banana slices and place one on top of each cup. This not only looks great but adds a little extra banana flavor!
7. Bake in the Oven:
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cooling Down:
Once baked, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cups cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and makes it easier to eat!
9. Enjoy or Store:
Your banana oatmeal cups are ready to eat! Serve them warm or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well, so feel free to make a double batch for later!
Enjoy these healthy, delicious banana oatmeal cups for breakfast or as a tasty snack anytime! 😊
Can I Use Other Types of Sweeteners Instead of Bananas?
Absolutely! If you’d like to reduce the banana amount, you can substitute with maple syrup or honey to achieve sweetness. Just adjust the quantity to taste, keeping in mind that this may alter the moisture content slightly.
Can I Make These Oatmeal Cups Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make these vegan! Simply use plant-based milk and consider substituting any non-vegan add-ins. The bananas and other ingredients already make them vegan-friendly!
How Should I Store These Oatmeal Cups?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cup tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months!
Can I Customize the Flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite spices like nutmeg, ginger, or even cocoa powder for a chocolate version. You can also change up the toppings, using berries or different types of nuts to suit your taste!