These Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups are a tasty and healthy treat! Made with oats, ripe bananas, and juicy blueberries, they’re perfect for breakfast or a snack.
They’re easy to make and fun to eat! I love grabbing one on the go. Plus, they make my kitchen smell amazing while baking—who can resist that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key here! They provide natural sweetness and moisture. If you’re out of bananas, unsweetened applesauce can work in a pinch—use about 1/2 cup for two bananas.
Rolled Oats: I prefer rolled oats for their chewy texture. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats instead. Quick oats can be used but will result in a softer texture.
Milk: Any milk works, but I like almond milk for its nutty flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, coconut or oat milk are great substitutes too—just pick what you enjoy best!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are fantastic, but frozen ones can also be used if fresh isn’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them slightly to avoid excess moisture.
Egg: If you’re vegan or allergic, replace the egg with a flax or chia egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit until it thickens, and then use it in place of the egg.
How Do I Ensure the Best Texture for My Baked Oatmeal Cups?
The texture of these oatmeal cups is influenced by the mixing and baking processes. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Be gentle when mixing: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Over-mixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Don’t overfill: Fill the muffin cups only about 3/4 full to allow for rising without spilling over.
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is different, so start checking at 25 minutes. They should be golden and firm when done, not jiggly.
How to Make Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Oatmeal Cups:
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, plus extra for topping
- Optional: nut butter or syrup for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, followed by about 25-30 minutes to bake. So in total, you’re looking at roughly 40 minutes before you can enjoy these tasty oatmeal cups!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, grab a 12-cup muffin tin and lightly grease it with some cooking spray or oil. This will help your oatmeal cups slide out easily once they’re baked!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, take your mashed bananas and add in the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed. This forms the base of your delicious oatmeal cups.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, large egg, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Mix well so all the liquids are combined nicely.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until they are combined—be careful not to over-mix it!
5. Fold in the Blueberries:
Gently fold the blueberries into the mixture, being careful to keep them whole so they burst with flavor in your cups.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This will allow them to rise without overflowing.
7. Garnish with Extra Blueberries:
Top each cup with a few extra blueberries for a lovely presentation and extra fruitiness!
8. Bake Them Up:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cups are set and lightly golden on the top. They should look deliciously puffy!
9. Cool and Remove:
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then carefully run a knife around the edges of the cups to help them release, and gently remove them from the tin.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Optionally, drizzle some nut butter or syrup on top for added flavor before serving. You can enjoy these oatmeal cups warm or chill them for a later snack!
Happy baking, and enjoy your wholesome Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups! 🌟
Can I Use Other Fruits in These Oatmeal Cups?
Yes! You can easily substitute blueberries with other fruits such as raspberries, chopped strawberries, or diced apples. Just make sure the fruit is compatible with baking for the best texture and flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make these oatmeal cups vegan, simply replace the egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, allowed to sit until it thickens). And use plant-based milk and maple syrup, which are already vegan-friendly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or enjoy them cold as a quick grab-and-go breakfast!
Can I Freeze These Oatmeal Cups?
Yes, you can! These oatmeal cups freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave.
