This hearty baked oatmeal with apples and bananas transforms your morning routine into a cozy, nutritious experience. Combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with tender apple slices and warm cinnamon spices, this recipe delivers a satisfying breakfast that feels like dessert but packs wholesome ingredients your body craves.
Perfect for meal prep or feeding a family, this baked oatmeal recipe creates a golden, custard-like texture that’s both filling and flavorful. The combination of fresh fruit, creamy eggs, and hearty oats makes it an ideal choice for busy mornings when you want something nutritious without the fuss of individual portions.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
- 1 pinch salt (1/8 teaspoon)
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240ml) fresh milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
Fresh Fruits:
- 2 ripe bananas (approximately 240g)
- 2 medium apples (approximately 300g)
Instructions
Preparation Phase
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4). Lightly grease a small baking dish measuring approximately 20x20cm (8×8 inches) with butter or cooking spray.
Mixing the Base
Pour the rolled oats into your prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom. Add the fresh milk directly to the oats, allowing them to absorb the liquid for 2-3 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Creating the Custard Base
Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and whisk them thoroughly. Add the whisked eggs to the oat and milk mixture along with a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring the eggs are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Adding the Bananas
Peel the ripe bananas and mash them in a bowl using a fork until they reach your desired consistency. Some people prefer completely smooth mashed bananas, while others enjoy small chunks for texture. Add the mashed bananas to the oat mixture along with the vanilla extract, stirring until evenly incorporated.
Preparing the Apples
Wash, peel, and core the apples. Slice them into thin rounds, approximately 3-4mm thick. These apple rounds will create beautiful layers on top of your baked oatmeal while providing bursts of fresh fruit flavor in every bite.
Final Assembly
Arrange the apple slices over the top of the oat mixture in an overlapping pattern, creating an attractive presentation. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the apple slices for that warm, aromatic finish.
Baking Process
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center feels set when gently pressed. The edges should be slightly crispy while the center remains tender and custard-like.
Cooling and Serving
Remove from the oven and allow the baked oatmeal to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This cooling period helps the texture set properly and prevents it from falling apart when cut. Slice into squares and serve warm.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approximately 150g) Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30-35 minutes Total Time: 45-50 minutes Serves: 6
Per Serving:
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 6.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 4.2g
- Sugars: 18g (naturally occurring)
- Fat: 3.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Potassium: 285mg
- Vitamin C: 8mg
- Calcium: 95mg
- Iron: 1.2mg
This baked oatmeal provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, high-quality protein from eggs and milk, and essential nutrients from fresh fruits. The fiber content helps maintain steady blood sugar levels throughout the morning.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Dairy-Free Options
Replace regular milk with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. The texture will be slightly less creamy but equally delicious.
Vegan Adaptation
Substitute the eggs with 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes until gel-like. Use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk.
Gluten-Free Version
Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free, as regular oats may be cross-contaminated with wheat during processing.
Fruit Variations
Try substituting or adding berries like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries. Pears work wonderfully in place of apples, and dried fruits like cranberries or raisins add chewy texture.
Spice Enhancements
Experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice blend. A tablespoon of cocoa powder creates a chocolate version, while lemon zest adds bright, citrusy notes.
Protein Boost
Add 2 tablespoons of protein powder, chia seeds, or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra protein and healthy fats.
Sweetness Adjustments
While this recipe relies on natural fruit sweetness, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar if desired.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This baked oatmeal stores excellently in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when covered tightly. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a 160°C (325°F) oven for 10 minutes.
For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe the night before? Yes, you can assemble the entire recipe the evening before baking. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator 15 minutes before baking and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be starting from a cold temperature.
Why is my baked oatmeal soggy in the middle? Soggy texture usually results from too much liquid or insufficient baking time. Ensure you’re using the correct oat-to-liquid ratio and bake until the center feels set when gently pressed. Different oven temperatures can vary, so adjust baking time accordingly.
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats? While rolled oats provide the best texture, you can substitute instant oats. However, reduce the milk to 3/4 cup as instant oats absorb liquid more quickly and can become mushy.
How do I know when the baked oatmeal is done? The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. The edges will pull slightly away from the sides of the pan.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd? Absolutely! Double all ingredients and use a 23x33cm (9×13 inch) baking dish. Increase the baking time to 40-45 minutes, checking for doneness with the same visual and touch cues.
This comforting baked oatmeal with apples and bananas proves that healthy breakfast options don’t have to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction. The natural sweetness from fresh fruit, combined with the hearty texture of oats and the richness of eggs and milk, creates a breakfast that feels indulgent while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or creating a special weekend breakfast, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results that will have everyone asking for seconds.
