If you’re craving a wholesome, delicious breakfast or snack that feels like a warm hug, the Baked Oatmeal Cups with Banana and Chocolate Chips Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. These delightful little cups combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with pockets of melty chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a hearty oat base. Perfectly portable and irresistibly comforting, they’re exactly the kind of treat that makes mornings or afternoon breaks so much better. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these baked oatmeal cups are a fantastic way to start your day with a smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Baked Oatmeal Cups with Banana and Chocolate Chips Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the rolled oats providing a chewy, satisfying texture to the bananas imparting natural sweetness and moisture, and the chocolate chips adding those joyful bursts of indulgence.
- 2 cups rolled oats: The hearty base that gives these cups their chewy texture and whole-grain goodness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just enough lift to make the oatmeal cups light and tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Warms up the flavor with a subtle spice that complements the banana beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup mashed banana (or unsweetened applesauce): Brings natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring every bite is soft and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup milk of choice: Keeps the batter silky and helps everything meld together harmoniously.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey: Adds a gentle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate chips.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the aroma and flavor to another level of cozy deliciousness.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or berries (optional): A little indulgence or fruity burst that makes these oatmeal cups extra special.
How to Make Baked Oatmeal Cups with Banana and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners to avoid any sticking, making cleanup a breeze later. This simple step ensures your oatmeal cups come out perfectly shaped and easy to remove.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mixture forms the foundation of your oatmeal cups, infusing subtle flavor and just the right texture. Stir them together well to evenly distribute every component.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the mashed banana, milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This blend brings moisture, sweetness, and an inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen with comfort.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir until just combined. You want a batter that’s cohesive but not overmixed—a little texture from the oats should remain for that perfect chew. This is where the magic of the Baked Oatmeal Cups with Banana and Chocolate Chips Recipe really begins to take shape.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips or berries gently. These tasty additions create little pockets of sweetness or fruity brightness inside each cup, turning every bite into a mini surprise of flavor. If you’re feeling creative, try swapping chocolate for nuts or dried fruit for a different twist.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This gives the cups enough room to rise without overflowing, ensuring a perfect golden top and a tender center every time.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops turn a lovely light golden brown and feel firm to the touch. You’ll notice the house fills with a heavenly aroma that hints at the deliciousness soon to come.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cups to cool for a few minutes in the pan before carefully removing them. This resting time helps them set and makes handling easier. Now, you’re ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
How to Serve Baked Oatmeal Cups with Banana and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your baked oatmeal cups by adding a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkling of chopped nuts, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup on top. Fresh fruit slices like strawberries or a few more chocolate chips can make your presentation pop and add delightful contrasting textures.
Side Dishes
Pair these banana and chocolate chip oatmeal cups with a fresh fruit salad or a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also work wonderfully alongside scrambled eggs or a smoothie bowl for a complete and satisfying breakfast spread that will keep you energized all morning long.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the oatmeal cups in a picnic basket for outdoor breakfasts or pack them in a lunchbox for a nutritious on-the-go snack. You can also slice them in half, toast lightly, and spread with nut butter for a warm, gooey treat that’s bound to become a new favorite way to enjoy this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked oatmeal cups keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This makes them an excellent option for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week, requiring little more than grabbing one and enjoying.
Freezing
To extend their shelf life, freeze the oatmeal cups in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They freeze well for up to three months, maintaining their texture and flavor without any fuss.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated oatmeal cups in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes. Either method revives their warm, comforting texture and makes them just as delicious as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute the bananas with something else?
Absolutely! If you’re out of bananas or prefer a different flavor, unsweetened applesauce works wonderfully as a moist, naturally sweet alternative that keeps the texture just right.
Are these oatmeal cups gluten-free?
They can be! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid any cross-contamination, making this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivity.
Can I use dairy-free milk for this recipe?
Yes, any milk of choice works perfectly here—almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all keep the batter moist and flavorful without compromising the deliciousness.
What can I add instead of chocolate chips?
If you’re not a fan of chocolate chips, try fresh or frozen berries, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit for different flavor and texture combinations that complement the banana base spectacularly.
How long do these oatmeal cups last at room temperature?
They’re best enjoyed within a day if left out on the counter, but to keep them fresh and safe to eat longer, store them in the refrigerator as soon as they have cooled.
Final Thoughts
The Baked Oatmeal Cups with Banana and Chocolate Chips Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser, combining wholesome ingredients with a touch of indulgence that feels like a small daily celebration. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself, these cups offer a comforting, nutritious way to brighten your day. Don’t wait to give this recipe a try—it might just become your new favorite breakfast or snack that you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Baked Oatmeal Cups with Banana and Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Oatmeal Cups are a wholesome and delicious breakfast treat, perfect for meal prep or a grab-and-go snack. Made with hearty rolled oats, natural sweeteners like banana and maple syrup, and optional chocolate chips or berries, they offer a nutritious start to your day with a soft, tender texture and a hint of cinnamon.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed banana (or unsweetened applesauce)
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or berries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or line the cups with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, making sure the mixture is evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, milk of choice, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until all the oats are coated and the batter is well combined.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Gently fold in the chocolate chips or berries if you choose to include them, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow space for rising during baking.
- Bake: Bake the oatmeal cups for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops turn lightly golden and feel firm to the touch, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal cups to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- These cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to substitute mashed banana with unsweetened applesauce for a different flavor profile.
- Use dairy or any plant-based milk according to your preference or dietary needs.
- Add nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition, if desired.
- For a lower sugar option, reduce or omit the maple syrup or honey depending on the sweetness of your fruit.
