Ingredients
- Rolled Oats: ½ cup (old-fashioned oats are best for texture; use certified gluten-free if needed)
- Milk: ½ cup (dairy milk, almond, soy, oat, or any milk of your choice)
- Ripe Banana: ½ medium, mashed well (the riper, the sweeter!)
- Large Egg: 1 (for a vegan option, use a flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water)
- Maple Syrup or Honey: 1 tablespoon (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
- Pinch of Salt: Just a small pinch to enhance the flavors
- Optional Mix-ins: 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate chips, blueberries, chopped nuts, or raisins.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small, oven-safe dish, such as an 8-10 ounce ramekin or a small baking dish. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure your baked oatmeal comes out cleanly.
- Mash the Banana: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, place the half banana. Use a fork to mash it thoroughly until it’s mostly smooth with very few lumps. A well-mashed banana acts as a natural sweetener and provides incredible moisture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: To the bowl with the mashed banana, add the egg, milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and the mixture is uniform. If you’re making a flax egg, you should let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken before adding it.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and the pinch of salt directly into the bowl with the wet ingredients.
- Mix Gently: Stir the mixture until just combined. It’s important not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough texture. Stop stirring as soon as you no longer see dry patches of oats or cinnamon.
- Incorporate Mix-ins: If you’re using any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, berries, or nuts, gently fold them into the batter now.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the oatmeal batter into your prepared ramekin or baking dish. You can sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or nuts on top for a beautiful finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and lightly golden brown, and the center is mostly firm to the touch. It should look like a mini breakfast cake.
- Rest and Cool: Carefully remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and let it cool for at least 5-10 minutes. This resting period is important as it allows the center to finish setting up, making it easier to eat and improving the overall texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One Normal Portion
- Calories: 380-450 kcal