These Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups are a yummy and healthy treat! They combine sweet bananas with juicy blueberries and oats, making them perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Trust me, you won’t want to share these! They’re so easy to make that I often whip up a batch on Sundays to enjoy all week long. Pair them with a little yogurt for extra goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential for sweetness and moisture. If you’re out of bananas, you can use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute. About 1/4 cup of applesauce will replace one banana.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give great texture. If you have quick oats, they can work too, but the cups might be softer. Avoid steel-cut oats since they need longer cooking time.
Maple Syrup/Honey: Both sweeteners work well, but if you’re looking for a lower glycemic option, try agave nectar. For a sugar-free alternative, a sugar substitute like Stevia can work too, but adjust based on sweetness level.
Milk: Any milk works—whole, almond, oat, or soy. If you need a dairy-free version, plant-based milks like almond or coconut are tasty options.
Blueberries: Fresh berries shine in this recipe, but frozen blueberries are equally good. Just don’t thaw them; toss them in frozen for best results!
What’s the Best Way to Mix All the Ingredients Together?
Mixing properly ensures even distribution of flavors and textures. Start by mashing your bananas well in a large bowl to prevent lumps. After mixing in your wet ingredients, add the dry ones all at once instead of one at a time; this speeds things up and reduces washing up!
- Make sure to gently fold in the blueberries last to avoid crushing them.
- Don’t over-mix your batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Using a cookie scoop or measuring cup helps you pour the mixture evenly into muffin cups.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve a perfect batch of oatmeal cups every time!
Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds (e.g., walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time, making it around 40 minutes total to create these delicious oatmeal cups. They’re quick to prepare, and while they bake, you can clean up and get ready for a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oatmeal cups bake evenly. While the oven is heating up, you can prepare your muffin tin!
2. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or use silicone muffin liners for easy removal. This will help keep your oatmeal cups from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, maple syrup (or honey), egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients together until you have a smooth and well-combined mixture.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Now, add the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt into the bowl. Stir everything together until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet mixture.
5. Fold in the Berries and Nuts:
Gently fold in the blueberries and any optional chopped nuts or seeds. Be careful not to mash the blueberries as you mix them in—I like to keep them whole for extra bursts of flavor!
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Spoon the oatmeal mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This will allow some room for rising while baking.
7. Bake the Oatmeal Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are set and lightly golden. They should feel firm to the touch!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the oatmeal cups from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Feel free to freeze them for longer storage, just reheat before eating!
Enjoy your wholesome Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups for a delicious and nutritious meal! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert—these little cups are a delightful treat any time of day!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Blueberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute blueberries with other fruits like chopped strawberries, raspberries, or even diced apples. Just make sure the fruit is chopped into pieces that are not too large, so they mix well with the batter.
Can I Make These Oatmeal Cups Vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the egg with a flax egg (mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken), and use a plant-based sweetener instead of honey. Almond or coconut milk work great!
How Do I Store These Oatmeal Cups?
Store your cooked oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing, and reheat them in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Recipe?
Definitely! You can reduce the amount of maple syrup or honey according to your taste. If you’d like a less sweet version, start with half the sweetener and taste the batter before adding more. Keep in mind that the bananas already contribute natural sweetness!