Banana Oatmeal

Imagine a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. This banana oatmeal is just that—comforting, hearty and brimming with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The process couldn’t be more straightforward: bring milk to a boil, stir in the oats and let them cook for a few minutes. Adding sliced bananas, a touch of brown sugar, honey and cinnamon turns a basic bowl of oats into a breakfast worth lingering over. Not only is this recipe quick and easy but it’s also endlessly customizable and a hearty way to power up your day.

Banana Oatmeal Ingredients

• Milk: Fat-free milk provides a creamy base and adds a subtle richness to the oats without extra fat. If you want a full fat milk, swap in whole milk. Extra milk can be added to achieve your perfect consistency.
• Quick-cooking oats: These oats cook almost instantly. They soak up the milk quickly, creating a thick and hearty texture.
• Ripe banana: Sliced ripe banana adds a natural sweetness and smooth, creamy texture to the oatmeal.
• Brown sugar: A small amount of brown sugar enhances the sweetness of the bananas and adds a hint of caramel flavor.
• Honey: Honey contributes sweetness and a slightly floral note to the dish. Pick your favorite honey variety.
• Ground cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and a fragrant aroma, enhancing the overall flavor of the oatmeal. An extra sprinkle of cinnamon really punches up the flavor and appearance of a bowl of oatmeal.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the oats

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In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the fat-free milk to a simmer. Pour the quick-cooking oats into the milk and cook, stirring occasionally for one to two minutes or until the mixture thickens to your liking.

Step 2: Add the flavorings

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Stir in the sliced banana, brown sugar, honey and ground cinnamon until well combined. Serve immediately, adding an extra splash of milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired for extra creaminess and flavor.

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Banana Oatmeal Variations

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips for a decadent, dessert-like twist on your banana oatmeal.
• Mix in peanut butter: Swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter for a creamy, protein-packed variation with a nutty flavor. Make homemade peanut butter for an extra special treat.
• Top with fresh berries: Add a handful of fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries for a burst of freshness and extra nutrients.

How to Store Banana Oatmeal

To store banana oatmeal, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can then refrigerate it for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy a quick and nutritious breakfast throughout the week. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the oatmeal in a small pot on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to maintain its creamy consistency.

Can you freeze banana oatmeal?

Yes, you can freeze banana oatmeal. First, let the oatmeal cool completely before portioning it into individual freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat the oatmeal and banana, thaw the oatmeal in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a small pot on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.

Banana Oatmeal Tips

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Can I make banana oatmeal vegan?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using plant-based milk like almond, soy or oat milk instead of fat-free milk. Don’t forget to replace the honey with a vegan-friendly sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar. These substitutions will ensure the recipe remains delicious while being entirely plant-based.

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of quick-cooking oats for this recipe?

Yes, you can use steel-cut oats instead of quick-cooking oats for this recipe, but the cooking process will take longer. Steel-cut oats require more time to cook and absorb liquid, usually around 30 minutes.So adjust the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, you may need to increase the amount of milk to achieve the desired consistency.

How do I keep bananas from turning brown in oatmeal?

Add the bananas in right before serving instead of cooking them with the oats to keep them from browning. If you’re preparing the oatmeal ahead of time, store the banana separately and add it right before eating to maintain its fresh appearance.