Banana Oatmeal Cups are a tasty and healthy treat packed with oats and ripe bananas. These little cups are perfect for breakfast or a snack!
They are super easy to make—just mix, pour, and bake! I love grabbing one on the go, and let’s be real: who can resist that sweet banana smell? 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor. If you don’t have bananas, applesauce can work as a substitute for moisture, though it will change the taste slightly.
Rolled Oats: I recommend using rolled oats for texture. Quick oats are a fine substitute but may make the cups a bit softer. Steel-cut oats will not work, as they need more cooking time.
Milk: Any milk will work! You can use dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. If you’re dairy-free, choose a plant-based option.
Egg: For a vegan version, swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or some mashed banana for added sweetness.
Nuts/Chocolate Chips: If you’re nut-free, leave them out, or try using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Chocolate chips are fantastic if you want a sweeter treat!
How Do I Ensure My Oatmeal Cups Rise Properly?
Making sure your Banana Oatmeal Cups rise and have a good texture is all about the mixing and baking process. Here’s how to get it right:
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining. This ensures even distribution of baking powder and flavors.
- Don’t overmix! Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until there’s no dry oat left. This keeps the oatmeal cups light.
- Use fresh baking powder to ensure proper rising. If it’s expired, your cups might come out flat.
- Fill the muffin cups about 3/4 full, allowing room for the cups to rise.
With these tips, your cups should come out fluffy and delicious every time!
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
- Banana slices, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, you can get everything else ready. Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners to make for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Then pour in the milk, crack in the egg, and add the vanilla extract. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix those together so everything is evenly distributed.
4. Make the Batter:
Now, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. If you want to add some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor, fold them in now!
5. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Using a spoon, fill each muffin cup with the mixture, filling them about 3/4 full. Leave a little space at the top for them to rise as they bake.
6. Add the Topping:
Top each muffin with a slice of banana for that extra special touch. It will look great when they come out of the oven!
7. Bake Them:
Pop your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. They’re done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Down:
Let the cups cool in the pan for a few minutes. After that, carefully transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These tasty Banana Oatmeal Cups are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, making them a great grab-and-go snack!
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect because they are sweeter and easier to mash. Just make sure they are soft and spotty for the best flavor!
Can I Make These Muffins Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily substitute the rolled oats with certified gluten-free oats. Just be sure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep the recipe safe.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Banana Oatmeal Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be kept in the fridge or frozen. Just make sure they are fully cooled before freezing!
Can I Customize the Add-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your add-ins. You can use dried fruits like raisins, chopped apples, or coconut. Nuts, seeds, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder can add some fun flavors!