This moist and flavorful strawberry banana baked oatmeal perfectly blends the hearty texture of oats with the delightful sweetness of strawberries and bananas. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a breakfast choice that not only tastes amazing but is also healthy and nourishing. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and ideal for meal prep since you can make it ahead of time for a convenient and nutritious start to your day.
Oatmeal is hands down my all-time favorite breakfast. What I love most about it is the incredible variety of ways to enjoy it. While I have a soft spot for the classic stovetop version, I have to confess that overnight oats and baked oatmeal have become my absolute favorites over the years.
There are already many overnight oats recipes here at FYP, but it’s time we explore the world of baked oatmeal too, starting with this easy strawberry banana baked oatmeal recipe. After all, it’s strawberry season, and I simply can’t resist its deliciousness!
This baked oatmeal has a moist and tender texture that’s perfectly complemented by the gentle chewiness of wholesome oats. Every bite bursts with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and juicy strawberries, creating a flavor combination that feels like a special treat. The best part? There’s no need for added sugar—it’s like treating yourself to a dessert-like breakfast that’s actually nourishing.
If you’ve never tried making baked oatmeal at home, now is the perfect time to give it a go!
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What is baked oatmeal?
If you’re not familiar with baked oatmeal, it is a dish made by combining oats, liquid (usually milk or a non-dairy alternative), and other ingredients, such as flavorings and/or fruits. The mixture is then baked until it sets and turns slightly golden on top. The result is a warm, comforting, and satisfying dish with a soft and chewy texture.
Similar to traditional stovetop oatmeal, baked oatmeal is typically enjoyed as a breakfast option, but it’s also great for snacking or enjoying on the go. It’s an easy-to-prepare dish that can be made ahead of time for added convenience.
Baked oatmeal offers a wide range of flavor options, including peanut butter, chocolate, blueberry, and apple cinnamon. In the case of this strawberry banana baked oatmeal recipe, it combines oats, ripe bananas, and fresh strawberries. The natural sweetness of the ripe bananas and the burst of fruity flavor from the strawberries make this dish incredibly flavorful and enjoyable.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This strawberry banana baked oatmeal is:
- Quick & Easy: Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is designed to be simple and hassle-free. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious breakfast or snack ready to enjoy.
- Delicious & Healthy: Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, bananas, and strawberries, this baked oatmeal provides a nutritious start to your day while still satisfying your taste buds.
- Versatile: Enjoy the baked oatmeal as a delightful treat on its own or get creative by trying different toppings and serving suggestions to suit your preferences.
- Customizable: With options to add spices, nuts, seeds, or swap out fruits, this recipe allows you to personalize your baked oatmeal and make it uniquely yours.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare a batch in advance and have a convenient breakfast ready to go. This recipe is ideal for meal prepping and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for grab-and-go convenience.
Ingredients you’ll need
One of the things I like the most about this recipe is that it features a delightful combination of simple and easily accessible ingredients.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are the best oats for baked oatmeal because they have the perfect texture and thickness to create a delicious and chewy baked oatmeal. Use gluten-free rolled oats if needed.
- Banana: Banana not only adds a nice flavor, but it also helps with moisture, binding, and sweetness. Make sure to use ripe or overripe bananas (those with dark spots on them).
- Strawberries: Adding strawberries to the baked oatmeal brings a delightful natural sweetness and a pleasant texture that complements the creamy oats. It’s best to use fresh strawberries, as frozen ones can add extra moisture while baking. Be sure to chop them into small pieces, so you get a burst of strawberry goodness in every bite.
- Almond Milk: I like using unsweetened almond milk for recipes like this because of its neutral flavor, but feel free to use any type of milk that suits your taste preferences. Use a dairy-free option (oat, cashew, coconut) to keep this vegan if needed. Soy milk is great for added protein.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds extra depth to the recipe and enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt: A tiny pinch of salt is a good flavor enhancer.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder is used as a leavening agent.
Full ingredient measurements and detailed instructions are located in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. This section covers notes on ingredients and possible substitutions.
How to make strawberry banana baked oatmeal
Making this strawberry banana baked oatmeal is incredibly easy, with just two simple steps standing between you and a delicious treat!
Before you start, preheat the oven to 350˚F (180˚C) and grease a medium-sized baking dish (mine is a 9×6-inch oval baking dish) lightly with cooking spray or oil.
Step 1: Combine the ingredients
- Start by mashing the banana into a smooth puree using a fork or a potato masher. It’s important to achieve a smooth consistency since the banana acts as a binder.
- Next, add the almond milk, ground cinnamon, sea salt, vanilla extract, and baking powder to the bowl. Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Finally, add the rolled oats and chopped strawberries to the mixture. Stir well to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
Note: You have the option to mix the ingredients directly in the baking dish, saving you from washing extra dishes. However, if you’re like me and prefer to keep your nicer baking dish free from any potential scrapes or scratches, I recommend mixing everything in a large mixing bowl and then transferring the mixture to the baking dish.
Step 2: Bake
Transfer the oatmeal mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If desired, you can garnish the top with slices of strawberries and banana for added visual appeal.
Then bake for approximately 20-22 minutes, or until the oatmeal is firm and golden brown.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the baked oatmeal cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up slightly and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Recipe video
Watch how to make this recipe:
Tips & recipe notes
- For best results, stick to old-fashioned rolled oats in this recipe. Quick oats and steel-cut oats have different liquid absorption properties, which may require tweaking the recipe to achieve the desired consistency. By sticking with rolled oats, you can ensure a delicious outcome without the need for additional adjustments.
- While I intentionally left out sugar in the recipe, relying on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and strawberries, you have options to enhance the sweetness. Before baking, you can add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or coconut sugar into the batter. Alternatively, when serving, drizzle some maple syrup or honey on top for added sweetness.
Serving suggestions
You can enjoy this strawberry banana baked oatmeal as is, savoring the moist and fruity combination. However, if you want to take it to the next level, I recommend adding some delicious toppings! Here are some ideas:
- Spoon a dollop of strawberry jam over the baked oatmeal to intensify the strawberry flavor and add a burst of sweetness.
- Serve a dollop of tofu yogurt or greek yogurt, or a drizzle of sweet cashew cream over the warm baked oatmeal to add creaminess and richness.
- Drizzle maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts, such as cashews, almonds, or pecans for extra texture.
- Drizzle your favorite nut butter, such as almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter, over the oatmeal for an indulgent touch.
And if you want a delightful dessert-like treat, you can also serve this warm strawberry banana baked oatmeal with a scoop of you favorite ice cream. Trust me, it’s delicious!
Variations
While I love this recipe just as it is, this strawberry banana baked oatmeal is a great base recipe to add-ins and flavor variations. Feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your taste preferences! Here are some ideas:
- Instead of using only strawberries, mix in a variety of berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. This adds extra color and a burst of different fruity flavors. Be careful to maintain the same proportion!
- If you love chocolate, mix in some chocolate chips to create a chocolatey twist to your strawberry banana baked oatmeal. It’s a perfect combination of flavors!
- Stir in a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans to add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to your baked oatmeal.
- Add a nice twist and extra texture by mixing in shredded coconut or coconut flakes.
Please be mindful not to add too much add-ins (nuts, dried fruis, chocolate chips), as it can affect the texture and moisture level of the baked oatmeal, making it denser. Adding about a handful of add-ins will maintain the integrity of the recipe while adding some variety in flavor and texture.
Storage & reheating tips
It’s likely that this strawberry banana baked oatmeal won’t last very long once it’s ready to be enjoyed! However, here are some tips to ensure proper storage. Remember to let the baked oatmeal cool completely before storing or freezing it to maintain its freshness and quality.
Storing:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also cover the baking dish you used to bake the oatmeal.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, there are a few options for reheating:
- Heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use the reheat mode on your air fryer and bake it for about 2-3 minutes.
- For a quicker reheating method, microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for approximately 1 minute. Adjust the time based on the wattage of your