Say hello to an easy, delicious breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings. This banana baked oatmeal is made with strawberries, contains no refined sugar, and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
When bananas ripen quickly in summer, they become naturally sweet and are perfect for baking. Instead of letting them go to waste, use overripe bananas in recipes like this baked oatmeal. I make baked oatmeal often, and adding bananas felt like a natural next step. While banana-only versions can be mild, pairing bananas with fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips transforms it into something special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and fast: A straightforward recipe most older kids can prepare.
- Great for meal prep: Make it the night before and reheat for a quick breakfast. It doubles well for freezing or for several breakfasts during the week. It even travels well—keep chilled in a cooler and reheat in a microwave at your destination.
- High in fiber and protein: Oats, bananas, and strawberries add fiber, and the egg and milk contribute protein, which helps keep kids satisfied longer.
- School lunch option: Heat in the morning and pack in a thermos to keep it warm until lunchtime.
- Reduces food waste: Overripe bananas that are no longer great for snacking are ideal here, turning potential waste into a tasty breakfast.
Ingredient Notes
- Strawberries: Fresh, juicy berries add brightness, vitamin C and fiber.
- Bananas: Ripe or overripe bananas provide natural sweetness and potassium.
- Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best texture; they offer soluble fiber and whole-grain benefits.
- Milk: Adds moisture and protein; use your preferred milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- Egg: Helps set the baked oatmeal and adds protein.
- Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness without refined sugar.
Dietitian Tips
This baked oatmeal is higher in fiber than many traditional breakfasts. The combination of oats, banana, and strawberries with the protein from egg and milk helps keep energy steady and reduces mid-morning snack requests.
If you like leftovers, double the recipe. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave, making mornings easier for busy families.
How to Make Banana Baked Oatmeal
Quick overview—see the recipe below for exact amounts and full instructions.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix oats, milk, maple syrup, oil, egg, and baking powder.
- Wash and slice strawberries; peel and slice bananas.
- Lightly oil an 8×8 baking dish and arrange half the fruit in a single layer on the bottom.
- Spread the oat mixture evenly over the fruit layer.
- Top with remaining banana and strawberry slices. Optionally sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, until edges are golden. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats—do not use instant or steel-cut oats.
- Rinse strawberries well before slicing.
- Choose ripe or overripe bananas for sweeter flavor.
- Brown sugar or agave can replace maple syrup if desired.
- For convection ovens, reduce the temperature to 325°F or shorten the bake time by a few minutes.
- You can mash the banana instead of slicing, but slices give better texture and visual appeal.
- If you can pick fresh strawberries with your kids, it’s a fun family activity that makes the dish even more special.
Questions You May Have
Serve in bowls. Add a splash of milk to loosen the texture if you like, or enjoy it as is.
What can I use instead of strawberries?
Blueberries, blackberries, or no berries at all work well. The flavor varies slightly but remains delicious.
Do I need gluten-free oats?
Only if a healthcare provider has advised you to avoid gluten—regular rolled oats are fine for most people.
Can I use almond milk?
Yes. Any milk or milk alternative works. Texture may vary slightly with plant-based milks, but the result is still tasty.
Can protein powder be added?
It can be, though it’s not necessary. If you try it, adjust liquid as needed and let me know how it turns out.
Related Recipes
- Banana Cocoa Cookies
- Apple Oatmeal Bake
- Banana Blackberry Oatmeal Muffins
- Mango Overnight Oats
More Easy Breakfast Recipes
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21 Overripe Banana Recipes
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Pumpkin Overnight Oats
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Blueberry Whole Wheat Pancakes
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Banana Carrot Muffins with Raisins
Did you make this banana baked oatmeal and love it? Please leave a rating or a comment—reviews are the best compliment.
Don’t forget to snap a photo of your strawberry banana baked oatmeal!
Recipe
Easy Banana Baked Oatmeal with Strawberries
This simple baked oatmeal uses everyday ingredients and is ready in about 30 minutes.
Author: Kristi
Servings: 8 | Calories: 199 kcal
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- 8×8 baking dish (9×9 works too)
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 bananas, ripe or overripe, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup strawberries, washed and sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly oil an 8×8 baking dish.
- Arrange half of the strawberry and banana slices to cover the bottom of the dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the oats, milk, egg, maple syrup, olive oil, and baking powder.
- Pour the oat mixture over the fruit layer and spread evenly.
- Top with the remaining banana and strawberry slices. Press the fruit slightly into the oat mixture with the back of a fork. Optionally sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the edges are golden. Let cool about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick or steel-cut oats.
- Swap maple syrup for brown sugar or agave if you prefer. The recipe is mildly sweet; add more syrup if you like it sweeter.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave.
- Substitute other berries for strawberries or omit berries entirely—banana-only baked oatmeal is still delicious.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 199 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 11 g
- Potassium: 301 mg
Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!