Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal

If you’ve ever wished your breakfast could taste like dessert but still be healthy and filling, this peanut butter banana baked oatmeal is exactly what you need. It’s warm, nutty, naturally sweet, and full of cozy flavor — like banana bread you can eat for breakfast.

This recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it feels indulgent yet wholesome. It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen and can be baked ahead for a quick grab-and-go breakfast all week long.

Each bite is soft, slightly chewy, and perfectly balanced with the richness of peanut butter and the sweetness of ripe bananas.

Why You’ll Love This

I started making baked oatmeal years ago when I was trying to find breakfasts that were both healthy and satisfying. Overnight oats were great, but I wanted something warm and comforting. The first version I made was plain, and it was good — but when I added peanut butter and banana, everything changed.

The kitchen smelled like fresh banana bread, and the texture was just right — creamy in the center, golden on the edges. Now I make it almost every Sunday to have ready for busy mornings. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat but keeps you full and energized for hours.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 2 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)

Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. The riper they are, the better — they add natural sweetness and make the oatmeal moist and flavorful.

If your bananas aren’t very ripe, you can bake them in their skins at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until dark and fragrant. It brings out the sweetness instantly.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, milk, and egg to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.

The peanut butter should blend in easily, giving the mixture a silky texture. If it’s too thick, warm the peanut butter slightly before adding it — that makes it easier to mix.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Then pour the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and stir until fully combined.

If you like, fold in a handful of chocolate chips, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.

Pour and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells like freshly baked banana bread and the edges are slightly crisp.

Let It Cool

Once baked, let the oatmeal cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. It firms up a bit as it cools, making it easier to cut into neat squares.

Serve it warm or cold — it’s delicious both ways. I like to drizzle a little extra peanut butter on top or serve it with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and sliced bananas.

Make It Your Way

This baked oatmeal is endlessly customizable. Once you master the base recipe, you can switch up the flavors to match your mood:

• Add crunch: Stir in chopped almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
• Make it chocolatey: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and top with chocolate chips.
• Add fruit: Mix in blueberries, strawberries, or apple chunks.
• Make it vegan: Skip the egg and replace it with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).

It’s the kind of recipe that always works, no matter what you add to it.

My Tips for Perfect Baked Oatmeal

1. Use ripe bananas. They give the best sweetness and texture.
2. Don’t overbake. The center should stay moist — think soft-baked, not dry.
3. Warm it up before serving. A quick 20-second reheat brings back that fresh-from-the-oven texture.
4. Add a little salt. It enhances the peanut butter flavor beautifully.
5. Drizzle before serving. A bit of melted peanut butter or maple syrup takes it to the next level.

How to Store and Reheat

This recipe is perfect for meal prep and stays fresh for several days.

• In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• In the freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and thaw overnight in the fridge.
• To reheat: Microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

It’s one of those breakfasts you can make once and enjoy all week long.

Why This Recipe Works

This peanut butter banana baked oatmeal works because it brings together the best of both worlds — the creamy richness of peanut butter and the natural sweetness of bananas. The oats absorb the milk and hold everything together, while the egg and baking powder help create that soft, cake-like texture.

The balance of flavors and textures is what makes this recipe special — it’s wholesome yet satisfying, comforting yet energizing. And unlike many baked oatmeals, this one isn’t dry or bland — it’s moist, flavorful, and just sweet enough.

Each bite tastes like dessert but fuels you like breakfast.

Turn It Into a Grab-and-Go Snack

I often bake this oatmeal on Sundays, slice it into squares, and wrap each one individually. They make the perfect on-the-go breakfast or post-workout snack.

Pair it with coffee in the morning or pack one in your bag for an afternoon pick-me-up. It’s one of those rare recipes that fits every part of your day.

You can even serve it as a healthy dessert — warm it up, drizzle with peanut butter, and add a few chocolate chips on top. It’s cozy, rich, and so simple.

Related Questions

1. Can I Make This Without Peanut Butter?

Yes! You can replace it with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter if you’re nut-free. The texture will be just as good, and you’ll still get that creamy, rich taste.

2. Can I Make It Overnight Instead of Baking?

You can! Combine everything the night before and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, bake as directed — it will rise slightly and come out extra soft and tender.

Breakfast That Feels Like a Treat

There’s something deeply comforting about this peanut butter banana baked oatmeal — it’s hearty but soft, simple yet full of flavor. The peanut butter gives it that melt-in-your-mouth richness, and the banana adds warmth and natural sweetness.

Every time I bake it, the smell fills the kitchen and instantly makes the day feel brighter. It’s one of those breakfasts that makes you slow down for a moment, sit down with a warm mug, and actually enjoy the start of your day.

It’s more than breakfast — it’s a little act of self-care in every bite.