Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups are a tasty and healthy way to start your day! They are packed with yummy bananas and juicy blueberries, making every bite a delight.
These cups are super easy to make and perfect for breakfast on the go. I love grabbing one on busy mornings, and let’s be real, they make a great snack too! 🍌🫐
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas not only add natural sweetness but also give these oatmeal cups a creamy texture. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce (about 1/2 cup) or even mashed pears.
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats provide the base for these cups. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats can also work here, but they may create a softer texture.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both sweeteners work well for adding flavor. If you’re vegan or prefer not to use honey, maple syrup is a great choice. You can substitute with agave syrup or coconut sugar if needed.
Milk: Any type of milk works well in this recipe—dairy, almond, soy, or oat milk. For a richer taste, try coconut milk. Just keep in mind that taste and texture may vary slightly based on your choice.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries provide lovely flavor and texture. If they aren’t available, you can use frozen blueberries (no need to thaw them). It’s best to add them straight from the freezer to avoid excess moisture.
How Can I Make Sure My Oatmeal Cups Don’t Stick to the Pan?
A common struggle is having baked oatmeal cups stick to the muffin tin. To prevent this, use these simple tips:
- Grease the muffin tin well with cooking spray, butter, or oil to create a non-stick surface.
- Consider using paper liners for easy removal! Just make sure they are high-quality liners that can withstand baking.
- Let the cups cool for a few minutes in the tin before removing. This allows them to firm up a bit, making it easier to lift them out.
- Use a butter knife to gently separate the edges from the tin if needed before lifting them out.
How to Make Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Oatmeal Mixture:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For The Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
For The Add-Ins:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (plus extra for topping)
- Peanut butter or almond butter, for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes from start to finish. Let the oatmeal cups cool for a bit, and then they’re ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Muffin Tin:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well with cooking spray or butter. This will help ensure your oatmeal cups come out easily after baking!
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Give it a mix so everything is evenly distributed.
3. Preparing the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and maple syrup or honey until smooth. This will create a sweet and creamy base for your oatmeal.
4. Combining Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until well combined. Make sure there are no dry pockets of oats left!
5. Adding Blueberries:
Gently fold in the 1 1/2 cups of blueberries. You want to mix them in without breaking them apart too much, so be gentle!
6. Filling the Muffin Cups:
Divide the oatmeal batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling them right to the top. This will give you lovely, tall oatmeal cups.
7. Baking Time:
Pop the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cooling Down:
Once baked, let the oatmeal cups cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serving Up:
Before serving, you can add a few more fresh blueberries on top and drizzle them with peanut butter or almond butter if you like. They are perfect warm or at room temperature—enjoy your delicious and nutritious oatmeal cups!
Can I Substitute the Eggs?
Absolutely! If you prefer an egg-free version, you can substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken).
How Should I Store Leftover Oatmeal Cups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage—just make sure to wrap them tightly. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds!
Can I Use Different Fruits?
Definitely! Feel free to mix it up with other fruits like chopped strawberries, raspberries, or even diced apples. Just adjust the quantities based on the fruit’s moisture content to keep the cups from getting too wet.
How Do I Make These Gluten-Free?
To make these oatmeal cups gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!