These blueberry banana baked oatmeal cups are a delicious and healthy breakfast option! Packed with wholesome oats, ripe bananas, and juicy blueberries, they are super easy to make.
I love whipping up a batch of these on Sunday. They’re perfect for busy mornings—just grab one and go! Plus, the smell of baking bananas and berries is irresistible. 🫶
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for sweetness and moisture. If you’re out of bananas, try using apple sauce—about 1/2 cup can replace 1 medium banana!
Oats: Rolled oats give the right texture. If you need gluten-free options, use certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats work too, but they may alter the texture slightly.
Milk: Any milk options work well, whether dairy or plant-based (like almond or oat milk). If you’re avoiding dairy, unsweetened almond milk is a favorite of mine for this recipe!
Sweetener: Maple syrup is lovely for flavor, but honey or agave syrup are good swaps if you’re not vegan. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are tasty, but frozen ones are just as great and save time. No need to thaw; just toss them in frozen!
Why Is Mixing the Ingredients Together So Important?
Mixing the ingredients properly ensures that your oatmeal cups bake evenly and rise just right. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with the ripe bananas in a large bowl. Mash them thoroughly until there are no lumps. This will help combine them well with other wet ingredients.
- When adding the milk, egg, and maple syrup to the mashed bananas, stir until smooth. This creates a uniform batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk dry ingredients like oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This keeps the baking powder evenly distributed.
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined—over-mixing can make the cups tough.
Your goal is a batter that’s cohesive but has some texture from the oats and blueberries. Enjoy your baking!
Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Optional Toppings:
- Banana slices
- Extra blueberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 40 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious oatmeal cups!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or give it a light grease. This ensures that your oatmeal cups will pop out easily after baking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them well until they are smooth. The riper they are, the sweeter your oatmeal cups will be!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (or honey) to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until it’s nice and well combined. This creates a delicious base for your oatmeal cups.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This helps to ensure even distribution of the baking powder and spices throughout the mix.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, add the dry oat mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be gentle here; it’s okay if there are some lumps—just don’t over-mix! Your oatmeal cups will be better with a little texture.
6. Add the Blueberries:
Carefully fold the blueberries into the mixture. If you’re using frozen blueberries, no need to thaw; just mix them in gently to avoid breaking them up.
7. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. If you want, you can top each cup with a slice of banana and some extra blueberries for a pretty finish!
8. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the oatmeal cups are set and golden brown on top. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the oatmeal cups to cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then, gently remove them. They can be enjoyed warm right away or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a nutritious snack or breakfast throughout the week.
These oatmeal cups make a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack packed with fruit and fiber. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect because they are sweeter and mash more easily, enhancing the flavor of your oatmeal cups.
Can I Substitute Other Fruits?
Yes! While blueberries and bananas work wonderfully, you can try other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or chopped apples. Just make sure they’re roughly the same quantity!
How Do I Store Leftover Oatmeal Cups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to wrap them well! Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Definitely! To make these oatmeal cups vegan, simply replace the egg with a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the mix!
