Banana Oatmeal

This banana oatmeal recipe is a healthy breakfast idea! It’s vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. These one-pot stovetop oats are creamy, comforting, and naturally sweetened with overripe bananas. Customize them with all of your favorite toppings, like peanut butter and fresh fruit!

Another day, another oatmeal bowl! If you’ve enjoyed my Peanut Butter Oatmeal and Chocolate Oatmeal, you’ll absolutely love this Banana Oatmeal. Like the former recipes, this oatmeal bowl is sweet, thick, creamy, and totally delicious. It practically tastes like dessert for breakfast!

This stovetop oatmeal recipe uses pantry staples. I bet you already have all of the ingredients in your kitchen. It includes rolled oats, almond milk, bananas, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. From start to finish, you can make this meal in 15 minutes or less.

Since oatmeal is a hearty, high fiber breakfast, it provides long lasting energy that fuels your whole morning. You can customize it by adding your favorite mix-ins and toppings, like protein powder, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and more.

This banana oatmeal is:

• Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and oil-free
• Sweet, thick, creamy, and comforting
• Made with no refined sugar
• Naturally sweetened with overripe bananas
• A quick and easy stovetop oatmeal recipe
• Customizable with limitless toppings

Ingredients for banana oatmeal

• Oats: Rolled oats are the best choice for stovetop oatmeal. They have been steamed and flattened, which helps create a thick and creamy texture. You can use quick oats, if needed, but do not use steel cut oats for this recipe.
• Bananas: Use spotty overripe bananas. The peel should be yellow with brown specks all over it. This level of ripeness will provide the sweetest flavor and creamiest consistency.
• Almond milk: Add almond milk or any type of milk, such as oat milk, coconut milk, or even dairy milk.
• Water: We’ll use half water (and half milk) for the liquid portion of the recipe.
• Maple syrup: Adding a sweetener, like maple syrup, is optional. You may think it is unnecessary because the banana is sweet enough on its own. Alternatively, use honey, agave nectar, or coconut sugar.
• Vanilla: Make your oatmeal taste like dessert by adding vanilla extract. It provides a sweet, dessert-like flavor and aroma.
• Cinnamon: This healthy spice is anti-inflammatory and adds warm flavor.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the other ingredients.

How to make healthy oatmeal with banana

For the full ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

First, combine all ingredients in a small pot. This includes rolled oats, almond milk, water, mashed banana, maple syrup (optional), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

Next, transfer the pot to a stovetop and cook over medium-high heat. Frequently stir the oatmeal so it does not stick to the bottom of the pot. Cook until thick and creamy, about 7-8 minutes. The longer you cook, the thicker and creamier it will become.

Then, transfer the oatmeal to bowl(s). Add your favorite toppings, like fresh fruit, nut butter, granola, nuts, seeds, and more. Enjoy!

What can I put in my oatmeal?

Switch up this oatmeal recipe every time and you’ll never grow tired of it! Try any of the oatmeal mix-ins below.

1. Nut butter: Add a spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter for a boost of healthy fats.
2. Protein powder: Instantly elevate it into high protein oatmeal. Just stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder while cooking.
3. Cocoa or cacao powder: If you love chocolate, add a tablespoon of cocoa or cacao powder.
4. Seeds: Stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds, hemp seeds, or flax seeds. This will add a boost of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

What toppings are good on oatmeal?

There are endless options for oatmeal toppings. I’ve listed my favorite recommendations below.

• Berries: Add fresh blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for antioxidants and a burst of tart flavor.
• Nut butter: Drizzle peanut butter or almond butter on top.
• Granola: Sprinkle granola clusters on top for a crunchy texture.
• Coconut: Add coconut flakes or coconut shreds for a tropical flavor.
• Dark chocolate: If you’re a chocolate lover, add dark chocolate chips on top. It will taste like dessert! In order to keep things healthy, I always use stevia-sweetened chocolate chips.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is oatmeal with banana good for you?

Absolutely! This banana oatmeal recipe is made with healthy ingredients. It is vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and contains no refined sugar. It’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Is banana oatmeal healthy for weight loss?

Yes, banana oatmeal can be included in a healthy weight loss diet. Since oatmeal is a low calorie and high fiber breakfast, it helps you stay full for hours. Oats are a slow digesting carbohydrate, which is more satisfying than quick digesting carbohydrates (like cereal and toast).

What is the healthiest fruit to put in oatmeal?

Any type of fruit can be a healthy oatmeal topping. While these oats are made with mashed banana, you can add extra fruit on top. Try adding fresh berries for a boost of antioxidants and extra fiber.

Can I meal prep oatmeal?

Yes, you can meal prep oatmeal! However, I do not recommend meal prepping hot oatmeal. Instead, meal prep overnight oats. Follow my Banana Overnight Oats recipe.

Can I save leftovers?

Yes, you can save leftover oatmeal, but I don’t recommend it. This banana oatmeal is best enjoyed immediately after making it.

If you try this Banana Oatmeal, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!

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