If you’re looking for the ultimate simple, healthy, adaptable oatmeal bowl, then this banana oatmeal is for you. It’s comforting, wholesome, and can be topped with dozens of different topping for a dish you’ll never get bored of. Not to mention that this oatmeal with banana is another great way to use up those leftover overripe bananas that you haven’t already set aside for Banana Bread or Banana Oatmeal Cookies. I already shared one of my other favorite oatmeal bowls recently: this mixed berry oatmeal that combines a plain oatmeal base with a mixed berry compote. In comparison, this banana oatmeal is often used as my base. Not only does banana add natural sweetness, but banana in oatmeal also helps to create a more filling dish and is also a flavor that pairs well with hundreds of add-ins and toppings. In fact, keep reading or tons of ways to top and enjoy this banana oats bowl. Depending on your dietary requirements, this recipe can easily be kept vegan, dairy-free, paleo, gluten-free, sugar-free, etc.
The Ingredients
The Basic Banana Oatmeal Ingredients
Rolled oats – if needed, use certified gluten-free oats. Don’t swap these out with steel-cut oats as the cooking times will be very different. Oat milk – feel free to swap this with your plant-based milk of choice. (i.e. almond milk or rice milk) or dairy milk.Water – if you want creamier oatmeal then feel free to use all milk.Banana – it’s best to use a slightly over-ripe banana, so it’s softer, sweeter, and easier to mash. Salt – just a pinch, to add depth to the banana oatmeal flavor. Cinnamon – this is technically optional but pairs wonderfully with the banana and adds a delicious warming flavor for those cold mornings.
Optional Add-ins
Sweetener: if you have a sweet tooth then feel free to add a little of your favorite sweetener: maple, agave, golden syrup, date syrup (or date paste), or even granulated sugars including coconut sugar, etc. For a sugar-free alternative, feel free to use erythritol.Protein powder: an easy way to up the protein of this banana protein is with a scoop of your favorite protein powder. For additional protein: add 1 Tbsp of chia seeds to the oatmeal along with the remaining ingredients in the first step.
The Optional Toppings
This banana oatmeal is super versatile, which means there are tons of ways that you can top it. Some of my favorite options include:
Candied orange slices and pistachios: this is the combination I used within these photos as I had leftovers from my recent blood orange cake.Caramelized banana slices: add the banana slices to a skillet with a little of your favorite sweetener combined with water (to thin it into a sauce) and then fry in the skillet for a few minutes till browned and caramelized. Nut butter – the combination of peanut butter and banana (or in fact almost any nut butter and banana) works spectacularly well. My favorite options include homemade peanut butter, almond butter, or even homemade Nutella for this banana oatmeal. However, you can choose your favorite nut or seed butter.Omega seed mix – great for adding protein, fiber, and omega-3s to the dish.Fruits: banana pairs well with many fruits: shredded apples, berries (fresh or frozen), orange segments, kiwi, mango, pineapple, etc. Chocolate: you can add healthy dark chocolate (paleo, vegan recipe – optionally without sugar), milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even cacao nibs. Coconut: you could add shredded, coconut chips, or even coconut butter (for healthy fats too).Chopped nuts: will add texture to the banana oats as well as protein, healthy fats, and nutrients. Pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, etc. You could also use this omega seed mixture.Jam/Preserves: Strawberry jam, raspberry jam, blackberry jam, and even rose jam will all work with the banana oatmeal flavor. Alternatively, you could use this berry compote.
Simple Flavor Variations
Peanut butter banana oatmeal: add 1-2 tbsp of peanut butter to the pan along with the milk (in the last two minutes of cooking). Alternatively, simply drizzle the nut butter over the cooked banana oats.Banana nut oatmeal: one of my favorite options is banana walnut oatmeal. I like to add a handful of nuts, crushed.Chocolate banana oatmeal: Add 1 Tbsp cacao powder to the oats and top with a tablespoon of chocolate chips and the additional toppings of your choice.Strawberry banana oatmeal: Slice 7 strawberries in half and add to the pan along with the banana at the beginning. Alternatively, macerate the strawberries in a little sugar/syrup while the oatmeal cooks and use them as a topping for the banana oatmeal bowl.
How To Make Banana Oatmeal
In a small saucepan, add the oats, water, cinnamon, salt, and banana and allow it to simmer over low-medium heat for 4-5 minutes to cook and thicken. I decided to experiment with mashing the banana directly in the pot. However, it’s easiest to mash this in advance in a bowl (the same one you’ll be eating the banana oatmeal in works best – to save on washing up!). If you want to top the banana with caramelized banana, then slice a few pieces to keep to one side. Then, add the milk to the oats mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. In the meantime, prepare your toppings of choice. If you want to caramelize the banana slices then add them to a small skillet with some coconut sugar or a little liquid syrup combined with water. Transfer the banana oatmeal to your bowl and top with your toppings of choice. Chef’s note: I prefer mine quite creamy. But if you prefer yours to be thicker then you can add a little less water and heat for a further minute or two.
How To Store
I like making this banana oatmeal fresh every morning for the best results. However, you can save any leftover in the fridge for between 3-4 days, in an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate it within an hour or two of making it though, otherwise, bacteria can start to grow. How to reheat oatmeal? You can do this either in the microwave or on the stove-top, adding a little extra water or milk to bring back the original creamy consistency.
Related Oats Recipes
Berry Oatmeal Bowl (Basic Oatmeal Recipe)Blueberry Baked OatmealVegan Choc Chip & Banana Healthy Oatmeal CookiesNo-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal BarsOatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups
If you try this banana oatmeal recipe, then let me know your thoughts in the comments. I’d also really appreciate a recipe rating and would love to see your recreations – just tag @AlphaFoodie.
