Banana Chocolate Baked Oats

Have you seen this new viral baked oats TikTok trend? It is basically cake for breakfast made from blended oats and a few other kitchen staples. And for this gal who doesn’t really like the texture of traditional oatmeal recipes, that means I get all the goodness, but in cake form.

 

And the other best part? All you need is a blender and 8-ounce ramekins (or something similar to that) and you don’t have a ton of dishes. The customizations are endless so you can literally never get bored. So the only real question is… what is your favorite combo?

Why These Baked Oats are the Best

Every recipe will claim to be the best, but here are a few reasons ours are a little different.

• Great for meal prep – You can prep a batch of these baked oats ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for a quick grab and go breakfast option.
• Tastes like dessert – This baked oatmeal recipe is so delicious, it’s almost like having dessert for breakfast!
• Made with pantry ingredients – You more than likely have all of the ingredients needed to make these baked oats already.

What are Baked Oats?

When I first heard the term baked oats I figured it was more of an overnight oats or oatmeal casserole, but I was incorrect. They are quick cooking oats blended with cake ingredients and your desired flavors and add-ins and then baked in individual serving ramekins.

The result is a fluffy cake for breakfast that you can feel good about. Ripe banana and maple syrup, a natural sweeter, give all of the sugar you’ll need and the rest are wholesome, protein-packed ingredients.

Ingredients

This is a base recipe that can be modified in so many ways. Make sure to scroll down for the customizations!

• Old fashioned rolled oats– Please make sure you use rolled oats or quick cooking oats (quick oats), this means that they have been rolled flat so that there is more surface area, which ensures they cook faster. It also means that when you blend them, they break down smoother into near oat flour, but with a little texture. The alternative are steel-cut oats, but they do not work as well.
• Ripe banana– Ripe bananas have naturally turned into fructose. They are sweeter and give more of a banana flavor. Ideally they are a day or two browner than you’d want to eat one right out of the peel.
• Milk- Any type of milk, including non dairy milks, can be used. This includes whole milk, skim milk, oat milk, almond milk or even coconut milk.
• Egg- this works as the binder and leavener so you get that cake-like texture. Two eggs whites will also work, but won’t be as rich.
• Creamy Peanut Butter– Do you see the creaminess of the mixture on the spoon? That comes from the PB. Nutella or almond butter are other great options.
• Maple syrup– Make sure to use REAL maple syrup- not “maple flavored syrup”. Honey or agave nectar can also be swapped.
• Baking powder- Gives it lift and fluff. Can be omitted, but will be denser since the baking soda isn’t there to make little air pockets.
• Ground cinnamon– Also optional, but who doesn’t love oats with cinnamon?
• Vanilla extract– Also use almond extract or omit.
• Fine sea salt– Double the amount if using a coarse salt. This helps to balance and accentuate natural flavors.
• Chocolate chips– I’m a dark chocolate kinda gal, but milk chocolate, semi-sweet or even peanut butter or caramel chips are great options.

How to Make Baked Oats

Making baked oats is pretty foolproof as long as you have a blender. This Ninja version is awesome and also has a mini processor and personal blender option (for morning smoothies). Not to mention awesome for grinding ice in daiquiris… yes, I am already thinking about happy hour.

1. Prepare oven and bowls. Preheat and prepare two 8-ounce oven-safe bowls or ramekins. You can use other oven-safe options, but make sure they aren’t too tall or the mixture will not bake properly. If they are wider, and thus the mixture is flatter, then the baking time will be reduced. Also bake them in a muffin pan, but reduce cooking time to 15-18 minutes.
2. Blend ingredients. Add all of the ingredients, except the chocolate chips, to your blender and blitz until fully combined and mixture starts to smooth. It might not be fully smooth and that is fine.
3. Add chocolate chips. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the chocolate chips by hand so they don’t get all chopped up by the blender blades. I just blob them in there with a spatula.
4. Add batter to bowls. Pour the blended oats into your bowls and top with the remaining chocolate chips so they get all melty and gooey on top.
5. Bake them until they pass the toothpick test. Mixture can be a little loose and creamy.
6. Let it rest for a few minutes so you don’t burn your mouth.

Variations and Toppings

These are all simple ingredients with so many options. I’m sure you can find something in your pantry that works without a special trip to the grocery store.

• Chocolate Baked Oats– Omit the banana, peanut butter and maple syrup and add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons of plain or vanilla yogurt to the mix.
• Chocolate Chip Baked Oats– Omit the banana and peanut butter, swap honey for maple syrup and plain or vanilla yogurt for the peanut butter.
• Bananas Foster Baked Oats– Omit the peanut butter and chocolate chips. Swap the peanut butter for plain or vanilla yogurt and add freshly sliced bananas and caramel sauce to the top after baking.
• Strawberry Cream Baked Oats – Omit the banana and peanut butter, swap maple syrup for honey and plain or vanilla yogurt for the peanut butter. Omit chocolate chips, adding 2 tablespoons of dehydrated strawberries instead. Top with fresh strawberry slices and whipped cream.
• Cinnamon Sugar Baked Oats– Omit the banana, peanut butter and chocolate chips. Use 2-3 tablespoons of vanilla yogurt and top with a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar before baking.
• Peanut Butter Jelly Baked Oats– Omit the banana and chocolate chips. After pouring into baking dishes, swirl with your favorite jelly or jam. Top with peanut butter chips.
• Apple Baked Oats– Swap peanut butter for vanilla yogurt and banana for 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
• Pumpkin – Add a few dashed of pumpkin spice, or even a little pumpkin puree for that fall flavor.

Syrups, fresh fruit sauces, fresh fruit (likes blueberries) nuts and dehydrated fruit are also fun to add. Add a scoop of protein powder or spoon of flaxseed or even dry fiber or vital proteins collagen.

Storage and Freezing

Baked oats are best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the mixture ahead of time and give it a quick stir before baking.

How to Store Baked Oats

Alternately, you can go ahead and bake and reheat in the microwave or the oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or topped with plastic wrap for up to 3 days.

Can I Freeze Baked Oats?

Technically you can, but unfortunately, baked oats do not freeze well. They thaw a little globby.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Breakfast Recipes

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and there are so many great recipes to try, both sweet and savory.