These Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups are a tasty way to start your day! Packed with wholesome oats, sweet bananas, and juicy blueberries, they’re super easy to make.
Plus, they’re perfect for breakfast on the go. I love how I can pop a couple in the microwave and enjoy them while I dash out the door—talk about a win-win! 🏃♂️💨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: These are key for sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can use applesauce (1/2 cup) instead, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: I recommend rolled oats for their chewy texture. Quick oats can be used too, but they’ll give a softer texture. Steel-cut oats won’t work as they require longer cooking times.
Milk: Any kind of milk works here—dairy or plant-based like almond, oat, or soy milk. Just pick your favorite or what you have on hand!
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both add natural sweetness. Use honey if you’re okay with it, or maple syrup for a vegan option. You can even reduce the sweetness slightly if you prefer.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are fantastic, but frozen ones work well too. Just toss them in frozen; no need to thaw! You can also swap in other fruits like raspberries or chopped apples if desired.
How Do You Ensure Even Baking and Great Texture?
To achieve nicely baked oatmeal cups, follow these key steps closely:
- Make sure to preheat your oven as this ensures even baking. It’s crucial!
- Greasing the muffin tin or using liners helps to prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Don’t overmix when you combine wet and dry ingredients. This keeps the texture light and fluffy.
- Bake until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Ovens vary, so keep an eye on them.
Taking these simple steps will help you make perfect baked oatmeal cups every time!
Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Flavoring and Structure:
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Fruit & Toppings:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, plus extra for topping
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds (e.g., walnuts, chia seeds)
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes before you get to enjoy these tasty oatmeal cups!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, the oven is nice and hot by the time you’re ready to bake! Also, grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them until smooth. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps—this adds some nice texture!
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
To the mashed bananas, add the milk, egg, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent and spices evenly.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the dry oat mixture into the wet banana mixture. Gently stir until fully combined—don’t overmix, as we want our cups to stay light and fluffy!
6. Fold in Blueberries:
Gently fold in the blueberries, and if you’re using nuts or seeds, add those in as well. This adds a nice crunch and extra nutrition!
7. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin cups, filling them about three-quarters full. This allows room for the cups to rise as they bake.
8. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle a few extra blueberries on top of each cup for a beautiful garnish and more blueberry flavor.
9. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for them to be set and lightly golden on top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean!
10. Cool Down:
Once done, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the oatmeal cups to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy these warm or at room temperature. They make a great breakfast or healthy snack! Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Happy baking! 🥳
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Blueberries?
Absolutely! You can switch out blueberries for other fruits like raspberries, chopped apples, or diced strawberries. Just ensure that the quantity stays around 1 cup for the best texture.
Can These Oatmeal Cups Be Made Vegan?
Yes! To make the recipe vegan, simply replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). You can also use plant-based milk and maple syrup for sweetness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Prepare the Batter Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the mixture into the muffin tin and bake as directed. Just give it a quick stir before baking to redistribute any settled ingredients.
